A Review of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics in Singapore: Status, Barriers, and Prospects

Energy consumption enhancement has resulted in a rise in carbon dioxide emissions, followed by a notable greenhouse effect contributing to global warming. Globally, buildings consume one-third of the total energy due to the continued expansion of building areas caused by population growth. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) represent an effective technology to attain zero energy buildings (ZEBs) via solar energy use. This research begins with the tropical green building concept in Singapore associated with renewable energy and gives an overview of the potential of solar photovoltaic energy. Strategies for BIPV spread in Singapore are also provided. Considering both BIPV system life cycle assessment (LCA) and BIPV industry standards and recent developments, this research determines whether Singapore should adopt this technology. Although the BIPV product market has expanded regarding BIPV products, systems and projects, there remain certain barriers to BIPV adoption in Singapore. Additionally, future research directions for tropical BIPV applications are outlined. The Singapore BIPV system serves as an example for a number of other tropical countries facing comparable challenges.

Automated summary

Energy consumption increase leads to higher carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse effect, contributing to global warming. Buildings worldwide consume one-third of total energy, prompting the need for efficient technologies such as Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) for zero energy buildings. This research focuses on the tropical green building concept in Singapore, assessing the potential of solar photovoltaic energy and strategies for BIPV adoption, while considering life cycle assessment and industry standards. The findings aim to guide Singapore's decision on BIPV technology adoption.