As part of the Increase project under the Horizon Europe programme, on the 28th of November 2024, EBC participated in the IPV Conference in Florence, Integrating PV technologies in the Built Environment co-organized by SEAMLESS-PV project and ETA Florence. Invited to contribute to this first edition of the IPV Conference, EBC Senior Policy Officer Spyros Mathioudakis moderated a session on “Building Integrated Photovoltaics for the Construction Sector: Action Points beyond the State of Play”.
During a brief introduction, Mr. Mathioudakis mentioned on behalf of the European Builders Confederation the central role that construction SMEs play in further integrating solar energy in Europe’s buildings, as dedicated local actors delivering on the Renovation Wave ambition, but also through EBC’s engagement in the Increase project and the political support it offered to the new Article 10 of the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). In this sense, BIPV and solar architecture, as a novel, versatile and made-in-Europe solution, could play an important role in delivering on energy-efficient building renovations going forward.
The panel discussion featured interventions by distinguished speakers, including EU policymakers, solar industry experts, architects, and innovators. Specifically, the exchanges with Pau Garcia Audi (DG ENER, European Commission), Lorenzo de Simone (EC JRC – New European Bauhaus), Claire Morin (SolarPower Europe), Stephane Garson (Akuo, SunStyle), Dieter Moor (arconsol) and Jean-Didier Steenackers (Sunsoak), which were particularly insightful.
Increase’s Insurance paper presentation
SolarPower Europe, a partner of the Increase project, unveiled a paper titled “Insurance Challenges for BIPV Projects: The Role of Standardisation for Risk Reduction”. The paper explored the significant hurdles impeding the adoption of building-integrated solar PV (BIPV) systems and proposed strategies to bridge the gap between the BIPV and insurance sectors. This collaboration is deemed essential for unlocking the full potential of BIPV technologies. Insurance plays a crucial role in accelerating the deployment of BIPV systems by managing risks, promoting investments in renewable energy, and ensuring compliance with financial and legal requirements. Despite its significance, the sector continues to grapple with challenges, primarily due to the small market size of BIPV and the associated risks. Despite these obstacles, the Increase paper emphasizes significant advancements in BIPV technology, particularly in improving the safety and performance of BIPV modules and systems, as well as increasing installation levels. However, the paper stresses that communicating these advancements to insurers and other stakeholders is critical to rebuilding trust and unlocking the potential of the sector.
National workshop: BIPV in Italy
EBC co-organised with ETA Florence a side session with BIPV stakeholders about their experiences, challenges, and opportunities for BIPV in the Italian context. This session was held entirely in Italian and EBC was present with 3 experts from its members organizations Confartigianato-ANAEPA and CNA, who offered practical insights into advancing BIPV adoption.
CNA, represented by Responsabile Installazione Impianti Diego Prati, stressed the significance of building digitization and multiservice infrastructure for BIPV integration. Drawing from the White Paper on Smart Buildings, he underscored how energy-efficient, interoperable infrastructures pave the way for seamless incorporation of renewable energy systems like BIPV. Moreover, he talked about fiber-optic and wireless networks, these technologies enhance the management of services within buildings, ensuring a robust foundation for renewable systems during renovations.
ANAEPA-Confartigianato, through experts Romano Mati, Installatori Impianti Elettrici, and Gabriele Giusti, Termoidraulica e Manutentori, addressed the real-world challenges of integrating BIPV in renovation projects. Mr. Mati emphasized the need to align PV technologies with existing energy systems, ensuring efficient integration during renovations. Mr. Giusti focused on educating clients about the long-term benefits of BIPV while addressing structural and logistical challenges. Their contributions highlighted actionable strategies for bridging the gap between cutting-edge technologies and practical implementation in construction.
The combined efforts of CNA and Confartigianato-ANAEPA demonstrated the importance of equipping contractors and SMEs with the tools and knowledge to integrate BIPV effectively. Their focus on infrastructure, education, and compatibility lays a strong foundation for Italy’s renewable energy future.
 | To learn more about Increase, visit the project website here |
 | Increase is a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe, Innovation Actions programme under grant agreement No 101136112. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. |