Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems in Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges

Around the world, one-third of all fossil fuels and CO2 gas are produced and consumed by the building sector. Energy efficiency and the utilization of renewable energy are regarded as the two main approaches to tackling the issues of increasing emissions and energy consumption. Solar energy is an admirable solution for addressing this problem because it is a plentiful renewable energy source. While the use of solar energy through building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems is becoming more popular worldwide due to its ability to generate clean energy and reduce building energy usage. However, in Bangladesh, the use of BIPV systems is minimal. Nonetheless, there is no government legislation addressing this prospective construction technology, nor is there extensive research on the BIPV system. Considering this research shortfall, the purpose of this study is to provide a general overview of BIPV systems and technologies. Furthermore, provide an overview of the published literature on BIPV systems that considers Bangladesh and finds out its future prospects. Besides, list the major obstacles and difficulties in adopting the BIPV system in Bangladesh. The implementation of feed-in tariffs, public acceptance, government financial support in the form of subsidies, and appropriate policy for spreading this promising technology are the main obstacles to BIPV systems. On the other hand, a few recent studies demonstrate that in Bangladesh, BIPV window systems have a lot of potential for power generation, building energy conservation, and CO2 reduction. It was found that a 12.5 kWp BIPV facade system put in a Dhaka city commercial building could generate 22,600 kWh of power yearly, which could lower the release of about 15 tons/yr.  of CO2.