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Building-integrated photovoltaics—solar panels on buildings, automobiles, and other structures—would take off in a big way, fueled by incentives and an intense desire among end-users and homeowners to make a difference, and simultaneously, save on energy bills.
FREMONT, CA: The scope for the rising demand for renewable energy, coupled with increased involvement by transport and industrial electrification and oil and gas corporations in the value chain of electricity, accelerates the convergence of industry. Explore how these developments might help promote cooperation and what the coming year might look like for the renewable energy sector.
1. The Pandemic Impact
Almost everything has been affected by the global pandemic, and the solar industry is no exception. Less travel, more self-sufficiency, and a recognized stay-at-home trend have led to an upswing in the construction and construction materials industry. People who stay at home and look after their homes would benefit not only builders but also streaming platforms, e-commerce, interior design, and solar panels.
2. Improving the Structure
Building-integrated photovoltaics—solar panels on buildings, automobiles, and other structures—would take off in a big way, fueled by incentives and an intense desire among end-users and homeowners to make a difference, and simultaneously, save on energy bills. But no old rusty solar panel can do that. For example, a face mask, first a lifesaver, is now also a fashion accessory (evidently, floral is the most common design). Just as all emerging products, solar cells, and panels are switching quickly from ‘must have’ to ‘must have but must also look good.’ Solar panels can be seen as an intelligent building material, and consumers demand that they be aesthetically appealing, just like every other feature in, on, or around their homes.
3. Going Local
The pandemic has painfully exposed the vulnerabilities of extended supply chains, and many industry players now believe that local solar cell manufacturing makes a lot more sense. Also, end consumers are beginning to take care of the life-cycle costs, efficiency, and carbon footprint of solar panel transport, mostly generated with dirty electricity, halfway worldwide. Besides, robotization and digitalization have made local manufacturing more competitive in various industries, including the solar business. So, one can expect more European and US solar panel factories closer to end-users and relatively fewer imports from China.
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