ROOF-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAICS

Roof-integRated
PhotovoltaicS
Potentials and Challenges – From the
Perspective of the Monier Group
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dachintegRieRte Pv
Potenziale und Herausforderungen
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Roof-integrated photovoltaics
The available data for the roof-integrated photovoltaics segment is very limited. Therefore, the Monier Group requested
that EuPD Research, a market research company specialised in the photovoltaics industry, develop a market model
to create greater transparency in the roof-integrated photovoltaics segment. In this context, more than 130 interviews
with installers, manufacturers and distributors were conducted in Germany, Italy, France and the United Kingdom at the
end of 2011. Statistical analysis along with the comparison of this primary data with validated existing data came to the
following results:
THE SEGMENT OF ROOF-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAICS HAS BEEN CHARACTERISED TO DATE BY…
• …a low degree of standardisation for product and system solutions,
• …a presently limited market volume of about 300 MWp for 2012 in core European markets,
• …a high degree of dependence on subsidies tailored to the building-integrated market.
NEVERTHELESS, ROOF-INTEGRATED PHOTO-
VOLTAICS HOLD GREAT PROMISE FOR THE
FUTURE BECAUSE...
• …they are becoming independent of subsidies,
• …new requirements for building energy efficiency are
stimulating the demand for sustainable products,
• …they are turning PV into an energy-generating building
material which meets this demand,
• … the annual volume of building materials in the newbuild
and renovation markets holds huge potential,
• …products and installation processes are becoming
more professional and are being standardised.
THIS MAJOR POTENTIAL CAN ONLY BE
UNLOCKED IF…
•
•
•
•
…more knowledge about and acceptance of the benefits
of roof-integrated PV is created among the different
customer groups (e.g. homeowners, architects),
…homeowners and architects play a greater role in
the purchase decision process,
… co-operation across various trades including installers
is optimised,
…the increased demands and expectations that home
and building owners place on a multifunctional product
are taken into consideration and met in the service
package offered by suppliers.
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ROOF-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAICS
Status Quo
The segment of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) can be subdivided into façade and roof integration (RIPV for
Roof-Integrated PV). The major characteristic of these PV systems is their multi-functionality, as, in addition to power
generation, they also offer weather and heat protection, fire protection, noise control as well as radiation protection
(electromagnetic radiation). In the relevant European markets, roof-integrated systems have so far been much more
common than façade-integrated systems.
While the integration of PV into the roof is mainly confined to the small on-roof segment with installations of up to
20 kWp, façade integration is usually used for prestigious projects in commercial or public buildings.
Figure1: Types of building-integrated photovoltaics
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THE MARKET FOR ROOF-INTEGRATED
PHOTOVOLTAICS
RIPV-market volume – a quantity difficult to determine
In contrast to the entire PV market, there is only very limited information on figures for the actual
size of the roof-integrated photovoltaics market. Against this background, the Monier Group
has developed a long-term RIPV market model with the objective of identifying relevant market
drivers as well as the quantification of their influence on the RIPV market volume. By recurrent
primary and secondary data collection, the number of data sets can be increased gradually in order
to continuously refine the results of the analyses. Recent results from 2011 have shown an RIPV
market volume of about 400 MWp in Europe’s most important PV markets of which well over
50% were installed in the BIPV market in France.
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Figure 2: RIPV market development 2009 – 2011 by country

Right now, RIPV is a segment dependent on subsidies
The differences in market volume in various national markets clearly show
that for now the RIPV market is almost exclusively dependent on subsidies.
Without this support, there would be no market – at least none of any relevant
size. Taking the Italian market as an example shows that the relationship
to the “normal” feed-in-tariff is also of importance. The market can only be
expected to grow when additional remuneration is able to compensate for
higher cost levels.
Figure 3: Correlation between RIPV subsidies premium and RIPV market
share
Analysed
size ranges:
0-4 kWp
4-6 kWp
6-10 kWp
10-20 kWp
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NEW MARKET DRIVERS OPEN UP...
Megatrend building efficiency – PV as part of the solution
As residential buildings account for 15% of total CO 2 emissions, all new buildings
must comply with the zero-energy guideline outlined in the European
Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings by 2012. This means homeowners
must generate at least as much energy as they use during the year. In
this context, photovoltaics will play a central role – after all, the possibilities
for end consumers to generate their own electricity are limited.
For a balanced account of a single-family house in Germany with an annual
power consumption of 4,000 kWh, a PV system with a rated capacity of
about 5 kWp is needed.
Figure 4: Development of energy standards in Germany
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...NEW MARKET POTENTIAL FOR RIPV
Roof-integrated versus on-roof – a cost comparison
It can be expected that the use of
photovoltaics in the new-build sector
will rise in order to meet increased
requirements for building efficiency.
Here, the advantages of roofintegrated
PV will come into play as it
enables homeowners to combine
the roofing of their home with the
installation of a PV system.
This is illustrated in the following
figure. With a roof area of 150 m 2
and a PV system with an installed
capacity of 10 kWp, total costs for a
roof-integrated photovoltaics solution
are below those of the conventional
BAPV solution. This is mainly
due to lower planning expenses as
well as other savings.
Figure 5: Cost comparison RIPV vs. BAPV
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NEW MARKET DRIVERS OPEN UP...
From “making money“ to “saving money” – PV has reached
a new market cycle
The positive development of photovoltaics in recent years is particularly related to the introduction of feed-in-tariffs
(FiT) for solar power. FiTs guarantee the system owner a payment for the electricity they produce and feed into the
grid for a specified period and yields high returns in many countries. This has proven a successful tool that, according
to the REN 21 forum, is now applied in nearly 90 countries.
But the widespread proliferation seems to be coming to an end and there is a clear indication that there will be only
a few FiT programmes in the future. This is because, as a reaction to the significantly lower production costs, FiT payments
have been reduced worldwide. As a consequence, FiTs are losing their appeal and are ultimately instigating their
own abolishment.
Figure 6: Index of feed-in-tariffs and PV prices in comparison (Germany)
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...NEW MARKET POTENTIAL FOR RIPV
PV 2.0 on the rise – saving electricity costs as an incentive
Developments show that the cost of electricity is rising steadily in numerous European countries.
Sooner or later remuneration will be lower than the price of electricity. Germany can be seen as a
good example (see chart). The data shows that the financial incentives for saving on energy costs
in private households are increasing. On taking a PV system into operation in the second quarter
of 2012, the energy saving potential through own consumption is higher than the remuneration
paid for feeding electricity into the grid.
The photovoltaic industry is facing a fundamental shift towards greater competitiveness which
allows electricity to be produced at a lower cost than the electricity that comes out of the socket.
This means that private owners of a PV system will have a higher interest in saving money than in
making money in the future.
Figure 7: A comparison of feed-in-tariffs and electricity prices (Germany)
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MARKET POTENTIAL FOR ROOF-
INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAICS
The new-build segment – a sleeping giant
Figure 8: RIPV market potential in Europe
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European markets reveal significant potential for RIPV solutions. In Germany
alone, the roof surface volume in the new-build and renovation markets
reached 54 million m 2 in 2011. If this area had been fully equipped with photovoltaics,
an annual market volume of about 8.6 GWp (assuming an average
efficiency level of 16%) would have been reached. In reality, however, only a
part of the roof surface is generally suitable for PV. Even when taking a conservative
calculation using roof surfaces with a suitability degree of 25%, the
cost advantages for roof-integrated solutions as previously shown sum up to
a realistic market potential of 2.15 GWp per year. At an average system price
of 2,000 euros per kWp, this results in a market volume of about 4.3 billion
euros in Germany alone, according to calculations made by Monier. This is
significantly higher than the current estimations for in-roof market volumes
of about 40 MWp and 120 million euros. Under the given assumptions, also
France, and to a lesser extent Italy and UK, appear to be very promising RIPV
markets.

FUTURE MARKET DEVELOPMENT
A market for companies with vision
Figure 9: Market potential of RIPV 2012-2015
Data from Monier shows that despite enormous market potential, a sharp
increase in roof-integrated PV solutions in Europe is yet to come. The
development stages and characteristics of various national markets are too
different – and thus also the transformation process from a market dependent
on subsidies to a market independent of subsidies. However, an increase in
roof-integrated installations can already be noted, not least owing to developments
in the German market where roof-integrated PV is currently leaving its
niche in the PV market and becoming an approved building material.
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CHALLENGES
Increased knowledge and acceptance creates rise in demand
In order to unlock the market potential, both the end user and relevant distributors need to know more about the
opportunities of roof-integrated PV systems. An architect who is not properly informed about RIPV will hardly be able
to recommend an installation to a client. But knowledge alone is not enough. The technical expertise needed for planning
and installation must be taught more intensely so that planners and installers can offer innovative solutions. More
information is the key to more demand.
Currently, consumers do not see roof-integrated photovoltaics as a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing alternative
to traditional roofing with an additional PV system. In the future, both architects as well as homeowners will have to
play a greater role in the purchase decision process.
Figure 10: Current significance of RIPV solutions in the new-build segment
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Electrical installation and roofing – two disciplines merge
Roof-integrated PV combines the
installation of a PV system with
the construction of a roof. This
places new demands on the trades
involved, where the reality mostly
looks like this: few roofers install PV
systems – electricians do not build
roofs. Close cooperation is rare. In
the future, however, the trades involved
will have to be closely linked
to foster further distribution of roofintegrated
PV systems. This might be
achieved through optimised collaboration
between the two professions,
or by a merger of skills to form a
“hybrid trade”.
Figure 11: Trades installing RIPV solutions
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CHALLENGES
New features create shift in demands
With its protecting qualities against the elements, the roof is one of the most important functional parts of a building.
At the same time, it is the least accessible part of the house. Continuous professional care and maintenance is
therefore essential – also for roofs featuring photovoltaic systems. Manufacturers and installers are thus responsible for
providing customers with a warranty and service package that clearly defines their rights and obligations and provides
the customer with a guarantee comparable to that offered for traditional roofs. A look at the usual guarantee on material
shows that there is room for improvement: while PV modules usually have a guarantee of 10 years, roof tiles have
a guarantee of 30 years.
Figure 12: Significance of product and service features that drive sales
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THE MONIER GROUP
Leading expertise in roofing
The Monier Group is a leading global supplier of building materials for pitched
roofs with operations in 40 countries. Based on decades of experience, the
company offers its customers a wide range of products including roof, chimney,
ventilation and residential energy systems. We are continuously developing
pioneering innovations for sustainable building, such as roof-integrated
solar systems. That way, the Monier Group utilises the full potential of roofs
in the interest of sustainability – for the benefit of its customers as well as
today’s and future generations. In 2011, 9,350 employees generated revenues
of 1.392 billion euros. For more information, please visit: www.monier.com
Business line Monier Solar Roof Systems
Monier offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality solar products along with a wide range of important accessories.
Together, they create safe and reliable solar systems. For the development of its solar systems, the Monier Group has
formed close partnerships with established module manufacturers and other suppliers and uses these products to develop
and offer high-quality and competitive PV and solar thermal systems. The solar portfolio consists of the following:
PHOTOVOLTAICS:
Roof-integrated PV systems, PV roof tiles and modules, in-roof and on-roof fixings as well as accessories and inverters.
SOLAR THERMAL:
In-roof and on-roof thermal collectors, buffer storage and systems to heat drinking water and support heating systems,
in-roof and on-roof fixings as well as accessories.
The portfolio is tailored to the specific needs of each market. Monier is marketing its solar systems in various countries
under its established product brands, e.g. Braas in Germany and Poland, Redland in the United Kingdom, Monier in
France, Benelux as well as in Scandinavia, Wierer in Italy and Bramac in southeast Europe, as well as other brands and
countries.
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PICTURE INDEX
fotolia.de | Sonne am Himmel © Reicher Large cover image
© Monier Group Cover, p.3, p.4, p.5.1-5.3, p.15, p.17
© Florian Schmidt p.5.4
© Eva Francis Benz p.6.1, p.7, p.12
fotolia.de | Solarhochhaus © danielschoenen p.5.5
fotolia.de | Bilanzierung © Stauke p.6.2
fotolia.de | Energie sparen © Gina Sanders p.8
fotolia.de | Hangglider © Galyna Andrushko p.13
© MONIER GROUP 2012
This document and all of its contents (texts, figures,
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law. All rights for contents, diagrams and illustrations contained
in this publication are protected by copyright and
reserved for the Monier Group. Unauthorized use of this
publication, including duplication, distribution, reproduction,
translation, and processing in electronic systems is
punishable by law.
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AUTHOR:
Monier Group/EuPD Research/HRCG
CONTACT MONIER GROUP:
Group Communications
press.group@monier.com
Business line Monier Solar Roof Systems,
Jens Milnikel
jens.milnikel@monier.com

MonieR group Services gmbh, Frankfurter Landstrasse 2-4, 61440 Oberursel, Deutschland
t +49 61 71 61 0 06 f +49 61 71 61 23 00 www.monier.com
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