Three scenarios in which potential clients could become interested in this solution are: building-owners who face an ‘renovation anyway’ of the roof, building owners who must create a new roof in the case of a newly constructed dwelling and building-owners who want to apply BIPV for aesthetic reasons in contrast to a traditional BAPV system. Typically potential customers are already acquainted with building integrated PV solutions. (Mr Raoul Comuth, BEAUsolar)

There are several arguments to invest in a whole-roof BIPV solution. First of all, investments in BIPV often links to sustainability and a green image because of the usage of solar energy. Timing of the decision to invest with ‘renovation anyway’ of the roof stimulates the application of BIPV. There is now no need to work on the roof twice with respect to installing PV and replacing the roof cover. Third, BIPV is more aesthetically appealing than BAPV. BEAUsolar offers an unique ‘whole-roof' solution consisting of a completely plain roof surface. The solution is unique when it comes to the use of dummy modules in places where PV modules are not possible. The BIPV roof can be installed relatively quickly which also could be considered as an advantage. Finally, the PV system is financially competitive with a traditional roof and PV modules that are added to the roof structure (BAPV). (Mrs Caroline America, BEAUsolar)

The project was installed on time and within budget. The investment was 250 €/m2, which is comparable to other BIPV solutions. The expected payback time of the investment is about 7-9 years, whereas about five years applies for BAPV. There were no economic restrictions or any kind of subsidy involved regarding the BIPV in this particular project. Two additional economic incentives apply to this case but were not decisive in adopting the whole-roof BIPV. First, it has been calculated that energy costs will increase significantly in the coming years due to an increase in energy taxes. In addition to VAT, an energy tax and a Sustainable Energy Allowance must be paid over the costs for gas and / or electricity (the revenues from the Sustainable Energy Allowance are invested in energy efficiency by the Dutch government). Secondly, there is a net metering scheme that raises the value of excess electricity to the same level as self-consumption.
BIPV turns out to be competitive due to the combination of “renovation anyway” and installing BAPV. The BIPV needs to be offered at the right time, combining the demand for roof renovation and PV. One-stop-shop: having a single entity that is responsible for the design, engineering and installation of the BIPV is successful. The all-black, single-level design of the roof surface is preferred over BAPV. Despite a variety of possible obstructions in the roof surface (roof ducts, skylights, and dormer windows) the modular design offers flexibility to cover several roof typologies. The BIPV is installed within 4/5 days. The lead time of the project, design, engineering and construction can be limited to 6 weeks. To get the BIPV accepted and adopted in the market, it was learned that because of its innovative nature, potential clients need to be convinced of its maturity. First of all, detailed technological design specifications show that the BIPV is sufficiently designed and ‘matured’. Next, showcases not only create awareness of BIPV but also help potential clients to understand how the BIPV appears. It is equally important to frame the BIPV in the correct way: ‘integrated PV’ versus ‘aesthetic electricity generating roof covering producing energy’. In addition, it remains challenging to convince homeowners to adopt and install BIPV. There is a lack of clear understanding about cognitive decision-making processes of homeowners. Installing BIPV initiated by a homeowner can have different motivations and financial schemes such as subsidies and energy-saving loans are not always decisive. Market consultation has been mentioned to increase the understanding of individually based decision-making and bias against BIPV.