On March 22nd, 2011, Frost & Sullivan (San Antonio, Texas, U.S.) announced a report which projects that the European market for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) will grow 108% to reach EUR 2.70 billion (USD 3.81 billion) in 2016.

"Opportunities in the European BIPV Market" credits distinctive tariffs and increasing awareness of the benefits of BIPV as the main drivers of demand for the technology, but also states that more suitable and standardized products are required to fulfill potential growth.

"The European BIPV market is growing rapidly due to regions like France and Italy which provide added incentives to consumers to adopt this technology in their homes," notes Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Neetha Jayanth. "In addition, markets like Germany have not given into the pressures of recession and have, in fact, surpassed expected growth, auguring well for the adoption of BIPV."

Report notes the role of EU directives in driving demand

The report examines commercial, residential, industrial, public, off-grid and showcase developments, estimating that the European market for BIPV was EUR 1.30 billion (USD 1.83 billion) in 2009. Frost and Sullivan states that decline and withdrawal of incentives in the near future will be the main challenge for solar industry participants.

The report notes the role of smaller markets, including those in the U.K. and Alpine nations, in overall demand. It also examines the role of EU policies, including the Energy Performance Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC) and the Renewable Energy Directive (2001/77/EC), which require member nations to reduce the energy consumption of buildings and increase their use of renewable energy.

2011-03-24| Courtesy: Frost & Sullivan | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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