ARENA grant helps BlueScope develop integrated solar roofs

BlueScope Steel is set to develop a low-cost building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) for Australian residential, commercial and industrial rooftops, due in part to a grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Emerging Renewables Program.

BlueScope Steel’s market research shows that a widespread uptake of rooftop solar systems has not yet eventuated and has been impacted by the recent reduction in government incentives.

The company believes that BIPV is superior to conventional rooftop PV systems in that it reduces installation and energy costs, as well as reducing peak energy demands placed on the grid.

“The aim of this project is to develop an integrated photovoltaic (PV) system that is reliable and affordable in the absence of government incentives,” said Dr Troy Coyle, Manager of Coated Products Development, BlueScope Steel Research.

“By optimising existing technologies, we believe that we can create a product that incorporates quality Australian steel, inverter technologies and leading international Generation 2 thin-film PV technologies as a cost-effective solution for consumers.”

Improvements to PV modules, optimised roofing profiles, reduced packaging and transport, reduced building energy requirements and simple, low-cost installation will drive significant cost reductions, according to Dr Coyle.

BlueScope Steel’s prototypes will be delivered in two stages. Stage one will adapt existing thin film and balance-of-system (BOS) technologies to deliver cost and performance advantages. A PV thermal system will also be developed with a view to lower costs and improve the value proposition for BIPV.

Stage two will introduce novel organic solar technologies and incorporate low-cost PV materials and manufacturing processes. Coyle says these will offer the potential to significantly transform the roofing and walling market.

“A sustainable market for rooftop PV will not only contribute to national energy generation and reduced levelised cost of electricity (LCOE), it will also be compatible with the grid and therefore reduce infrastructure and servicing costs,” said Dr Coyle. “No longer will people purchase roofing; they will purchase BIPV.”

Research by BCC Research suggests that the global BIPV market will increase at 56% compound growth to reach a capacity of 11,392 MW by 2015.