_{Source: ornatesolar.com}

India is poised to transform its urban landscape by integrating solar technology directly into the fabric of its buildings. A recent white paper, developed through stakeholder consultations and expert panels, explores the potential of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) as a key solution to meet the country’s clean energy goals. Unlike conventional rooftop solar panels, BIPV systems are embedded into façades, roofs, and windows, turning passive surfaces into active energy generators. With an estimated potential of over 300 GW, BIPV could play a pivotal role in reducing emissions from the rapidly growing building sector.

Despite its promise, BIPV adoption in India remains limited due to high upfront costs, limited awareness, and a lack of supportive policy frameworks. Architects and developers express interest in the technology’s aesthetic and environmental benefits but remain cautious about its financial viability and technical integration. The report highlights the need for targeted education, demonstration projects, and tools to quantify long-term savings and performance. It also calls for the inclusion of BIPV in green building codes and public housing schemes to stimulate demand.

Drawing lessons from Europe —where countries like Switzerland and France have successfully mainstreamed BIPV— the paper advocates for a coordinated approach involving government, industry, and academia. Recommendations include tax incentives, modular product development, and public-private partnerships to lower costs and build trust. The creation of region-specific standards and training programmes is also seen as essential to ensure quality and scalability across India’s diverse climates and construction styles.

Ultimately, the white paper positions BIPV not merely as a technological innovation but as a strategic enabler of sustainable urban development. By embedding clean energy into the very structure of buildings, India can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, create green jobs, and enhance the resilience of its cities. The path forward, it argues, lies in collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for a solar-powered future.