Industrial building façades as a showcase of changes in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) aesthetics

The article analyzes the evolution of the aesthetics of opaque Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems in industrial architecture. Photovoltaics (PV), as a key element in the energy transformation of buildings, are gaining significance – particularly due to their potential for façade integration. However, BIPV solutions remain a niche, mainly due to high costs, technical complexity, and limited awareness among designers. The aim of the study is to show how the technological evolution of opaque PV modules has influenced changes in the aesthetics of industrial building façades. The research is based on an analysis of academic literature, technical documentation, and field observations of selected buildings in Germany and Poland. Four case studies were examined, representing key stages in the development of BIPV: from early silicon-based modules, through glass thin-film technologies, flexible laminates, to advanced aesthetic solutions with interference coatings. The results indicate a clear shift in BIPV design approach – from emphasizing PV technology as a feature of futuristic design, to seeking visual harmony and “aesthetic camouflage” of PV modules. BIPV aesthetics are becoming increasingly customized thanks to growing possibilities for personalizing the color, format, and texture of modules. Despite technological advancements, BIPV-integrated façades remain rarely used in industrial buildings, where rooftop-mounted Building-Applied Photovoltaics (BAPV) systems still dominate. Further development of BIPV in industrial architecture requires greater awareness among designers and the promotion of successful implementations that combine energy generation with high architectural quality.