Escaping the Niche Market: An Innovation System Analysis of the Dutch Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Sector

Abstract

Over the past years, a new technology has emerged in the solar PV market: building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). In contrast to building applied photovoltaics (BAPV), BIPV products can replace the functionality of construction products while at the same time generating electricity. However, even though this technology has a lot of potential, the diffusion of BIPV has remained rather limited in the Netherlands. This research aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the drivers and barriers that foster or hamper further development of the Dutch BIPV innovation system. Furthermore, this research aimed to shed more light on how technological innovation systems (TIS) interact with each other within the context of a national mission-oriented innovation system (MIS). Three analytical dimensions of the TIS approach were used: 1) structural components, 2) functional fulfillment and patterns, and 3) systemic problems. A qualitative research strategy was chosen to enable deeper insights into the system dynamics. Both primary data and secondary data were collected and analyzed to assess the structural and functional fulfillment of the BIPV innovation system. The outcomes of this research show that the interactions between TISs can result in both positive and negative consequences for the further development of a TIS as well as the overarching MIS. Moreover, based on the structural and functional analysis of the Dutch BIPV innovation system, several systemic problems were identified, including the lack of interorganizational collaboration and value chain coordination with (large) firms from the construction industry and other adjacent industries, the lack of knowledge diffusion towards the construction industry, the lack of interactions with other (symbiotic) technologies, the absence of policy support and subsidies for the industrialization and commercialization of BIPV, and the lack of industrial capacities among BIPV companies. To overcome these systemic problems, multiple recommendations were provided to both policymakers and value chain actors. These recommendations should enable the BIPV innovation system to move from the niche market phase to the commercial growth phase.