There is a quiet revolution going on in the construction world: façades are stepping into a far more serious role from being the glamorous, decorative outer skins of a building. The modern façade needs to enhance performance, reduce energy demand, and generate power where possible.

That is precisely why BIPV has emerged as one of the fastest-growing technologies in architecture worldwide.

For architects, façade consultants, and developers, this 2025 guide breaks down everything you need to know: cost, output, certifications, and installation — without the confusion or the greenwashing fluff.

What makes BIPV different?

BIPV can be thought of as the natural evolution of façade design.

It’s not a secondary system installed on top of the building; it replaces your existing envelope material.

BIPV glass is:

the façade

the shading device

the energy source

the sustainability asset

the compliance booster

One material. Multiple roles. Zero extra footprint.

Cost: Let’s Talk Real Numbers

BIPV isn’t cheap on a conventional per-square-meter comparison — nor should it be.

It’s a multifunctional material.

The smarter way of evaluating cost is through lifetime energy generation vs. the initial façade investment.

What drives cost?

transparency level – the more transparent the glass, the lower power output

  • Orientation of building
  • glass treatment & thickness
  • custom sizes
  • integration method: unitized, semi-unitized, stick system, structural glazing

But here’s the real unlock:

Since BIPV replaces existing façade glass, you avoid the cost of separate mounting, wiring, and additional systems. The investment isn’t double, it’s redistributed.

Energy Production: Realistic Expectations

Vertical generation differs from tilted generation , but not necessarily inferior in overall contribution.

BIPV performance depends on:

  • climatic zone
  • façade orientation
  • transparency selection
  • shading conditions
  • daily peak sunlight hours

Done right, BIPV façades can meet 10–40% of daytime electrical loads, especially in commercial high-rises.

This is a game-changer for architects designing Grade-A offices, corporate HQs, hotels, airports, and campuses.

Certifications & Compliance

BIPV glass helps by:

GRIHA (Energy & Renewable Points)

IGBC (On-site Renewable Energy Credits)

LEED (EA & Material Credits)

ECBC compliance

ESG corporate requirements

Certification bodies look positively upon building envelopes that reduce dependency on the grid. BIPV is one of the cleanest ways to tick these boxes without complicating the design.

From a technical viewpoint, materials should comply with:

IEC standards for photovoltaic safety

BIS standards for glass and structural stability

fire performance criteria related to building height

Installation: The Smoothest Part

Unlike external renewable systems, BIPV does not require:

  • framing systems
  • additional structure
  • awkward installations
  • roof space coordination
  • It fits directly into:
  • unitized curtain walls
  • semi-unitized systems
  • structural glazing
  • canopies & skylights

If you’re already designing a façade, integrating BIPV is just specifying a smarter material-nothing more.

The 2025 Reality

With India marching toward aggressive net-zero goals, BIPV is neither a trend nor a luxury.

It’s an evolutionary leap: a shift from energy-consuming surfaces to energy-producing surfaces.

Early adopters of BIPV among architects will define the next generation of India’s skyline.

Those who don’t will soon be designing buildings that feel outdated before they’re even inaugurated.

The message is clear:

BIPV is the new benchmark for modern façades. And 2025 is the year it goes mainstream.