Multidimensional Comparative Analysis of Conventional Photovoltaics and BIPV

1. Core Logical Differences

1.1 Functional Positioning
Conventional Photovoltaics (PV): The core goal is power generation, and the system is installed as an additional device on building surfaces or the ground without altering the original structure of the building. It is considered a “retrofit” energy system.
BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics): It serves both as a power generation system and a part of the building structure (such as roofs, facades), integrated with the building design. It aims for deep integration of power generation and building functions (such as waterproofing, insulation, and decoration).

1.2 Market Driving Factors
Conventional PV: Relies on photovoltaic power generation subsidies, growing energy demand, and cost reduction through scale, making it suitable for centralized power plants or commercial and industrial rooftops.
BIPV: Driven by green building policies (such as zero-carbon building standards) and building energy efficiency regulations, with a greater focus on the low-carbon transformation needs of the construction industry.

1.3 Industry Chain Integration
Conventional PV: The industry chain focuses on photovoltaic module manufacturing, inverters, and power plant development, with major participants being energy companies.
BIPV: Requires collaboration between the building and photovoltaic industries, involving building material companies (such as curtain wall companies), system integrators, and architectural design firms.

2. Market Status and Trends

Conventional Photovoltaic Market:
Globally, the photovoltaic industry continues to experience strong growth. It is estimated that by 2024, the global photovoltaic module industry market size will reach 580.3 billion RMB, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 8.19% over the next five years, though the growth rate is expected to slow down. As one of the largest photovoltaic markets in the world, China’s market continues to grow rapidly. According to data, by 2024, the initial investment scale of China's offshore photovoltaic industry is expected to reach 96 billion RMB, showing significant growth compared to the previous year. In the entire photovoltaic industry chain, the market size of China's photovoltaic module industry is expected to reach 551 billion RMB by 2024. Despite a projected compound growth rate of -2.16% over the next five years, this figure still reflects a vast market size and influence. Additionally, in terms of installed capacity, by the end of August 2024, China's cumulative photovoltaic grid-connected capacity will have reached 723.61 GW, surpassing hydropower capacity and further solidifying its position as the second-largest power source.

BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics):
By 2024, the global BIPV market size is expected to reach 6.31 billion USD, with a forecasted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.79%, growing to 12.59 billion USD over the next five years. A report suggests that by 2024, the Chinese BIPV market size may approach 50 billion RMB, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 58% compared to 2020.

Forecast for 2025:
The BIPV market is expected to further expand in 2025. It is estimated that by then, the global BIPV total installed capacity will reach about 23.66 GW, marking a significant increase from the 2020 levels. In the Chinese market, according to Longfu Investment's data, the total market space for photovoltaic buildings is expected to reach 423.6 billion RMB, with BIPV's overall penetration rate approaching 20%, generating a total market size of 86.6 billion RMB.

Long-Term Outlook:
Looking further ahead, the potential of the BIPV market is enormous. It is predicted that by 2030, China's BIPV market size could reach approximately 400 billion RMB. Another study is more optimistic, forecasting that by the end of 2036, the global BIPV market size could exceed 247.94 billion USD, with a CAGR of over 19.7%.
3.Core Differences Between BIPV and Conventional Photovoltaics

Demand Side:
BIPV targets the green and low-carbon transformation of the construction industry, while conventional photovoltaics focus on energy replacement.

Technology Side:
BIPV is a cross-disciplinary innovation between material science and architectural design, whereas conventional photovoltaics are a large-scale application of a single energy technology.

Business Model:
BIPV requires joint investments from builders, design institutes, developers, and photovoltaic companies, while conventional photovoltaics are primarily led by power plant operators.

Though BIPV and conventional photovoltaics follow different paths, both serve the goals of green energy and sustainable development. Photovoltaics, with their financial attributes, occupy a significant position in the energy sector, while BIPV, with its building material attributes, offers unique advantages in the construction industry. Looking ahead, BIPV is expected to become a key pathway for achieving "carbon neutrality" in urban buildings, while conventional photovoltaics will continue to dominate centralized energy supply. The two may form complementary roles in distributed energy scenarios.