A Novel Method for Technology Forecasting and Developing R&D Strategy of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Technology Industry
Table 7
BIPV technology key point in the future.
Technology node
Description
Durability
When PV modules are used in construction, the difference between the PV module and the building lifespan must be considered. The life of an average building is more than several decades or even centuries, but the life of a PV module is only 10–20 years. Therefore, in addition to enhancing photoelectric conversion efficiency, PV module durability should be a major focus in the future
Ease of maintenance
When faced with replacing PV modules of BIPV modules in high-rise buildings, consider (1) speed and ease of replacing the PV module (2) when PV modules become more popular, original specification sizes may be discontinued and replacement components may be difficult to find. New specifications must be developed to be compatible with previous specifications. BIPV installation and maintenance will become more important in the future
Security
Global warming has recently caused intense thermal radiation from the sun and frequent earthquakes and hurricanes. Therefore, BIPV glass in high-rise buildings must be antiradiative and resistant to strong wind, earthquakes, and fire. Research should also focus on developing building materials with these qualities
Customization
PV modules must be able to meet a wide range of building installation requirements. R&D should focus on methods of changing the production process to produce novel PV modules with different architectural designs. This will allow for a new industry in the future. It will be able to generate a new industry, that is, in the future producing a PV module will require semifinished products. A PV template will be cut according to a building shape and returned to the plant for postproduction to manage different construction types. This is customized BIPV building material development technology. It will be a new industry in the future and a model accepted by the construction industry
