Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) represent a significant advancement in the integration of solar power technology into building structures. These systems not only generate electricity but also serve as essential architectural elements, such as roofs, facades, and skylights. As the push for carbon neutrality intensifies, the demand for BIPV glass is growing, driving innovation and competition among manufacturers.
Here, we explore the top 10 BIPV glass manufacturers in the world, highlighting their contributions to the industry and their unique offerings.
- First Solar Inc
- Mitrex Integrated Solar Technology Inc
- Onyx Solar
- SoliTek UAB
- Roofit.Solar
- Envelon
- Solar Lab
- Hanergy Holding Group Ltd
- Solarstone
- HIITIO New Energy
- Special Recommendation：First Glass
1. First Solar Inc
Website: www.firstsolar.com
Overview:
Foundation and Headquarters: Founded in 1990 by Harold McMaster and JD Polk, First Solar Inc. is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, USA.
Specialization: The company specializes in the production of rigid thin-film photovoltaic modules using cadmium telluride (CdTe) as the semiconductor.
Products and Services: First Solar offers comprehensive services for utility-scale projects, including finance, construction, maintenance, and end-of-life panel recycling. They are renowned for their high-efficiency thin-film technology which is used in large-scale solar power plants worldwide.
Market Presence: First Solar was listed on Nasdaq in 2006 and has grown to become a leading player in the solar industry. Mark Widmar has served as CEO since July 1, 2016.
2. Mitrex Integrated Solar Technology Inc
Website: www.mitrex.com
Overview:
Location: Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Specialization: Mitrex specializes in integrating solar technology into building facades, roofs, and panels.
Product Features: Their systems boast frameless modules, concealed mounting, and uniform surfaces, which can be customized to mimic the appearance of various materials or colors, blending seamlessly with architectural designs.
Innovation and Impact: Mitrex aims to make buildings energy-efficient without compromising on aesthetics, pushing the boundaries of solar technology integration in architecture.
3. Onyx Solar
Website: www.onyxsolar.com
Overview:
Foundation and Location: Established in 2009 in Ávila, Spain.
Specialization: Onyx Solar is a pioneer in the field of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).
Notable Projects: The company has been involved in prestigious projects globally, including the Miami Heat Stadium, the Dubai Frame, and the Science Pyramid in Colorado. Their PV glass was also used in the award-winning residential building, The General, in Northcote, Australia.
Collaborations: Onyx Solar collaborates with renowned universities like UPM, MIT, and the University of Barcelona to stay at the forefront of innovation in BIPV technology.
4. SoliTek UAB
Website: www.solitek.eu
Overview:
Location: Based in Lithuania.
Specialization: SoliTek is the largest solar module manufacturer in Northern Europe and the sole battery producer in the region.
Services: The company has a strong presence in solar power plant installations, with dedicated teams for designing, calculating, and installing solar power systems, batteries, and EV charging stations. They also assist in the necessary documentation for applications to energy authorities.
Innovation and Market Impact: SoliTek is known for its high-quality solar modules and comprehensive energy solutions, making significant contributions to the solar energy sector in Europe.
5. Roofit.Solar
Website: www.roofit.solar
Overview:
Location: Based in Tallinn, Estonia.
Specialization: Roofit.Solar is renowned for its expertise in manufacturing solar modules, particularly aesthetic solar roofs and integrated PV modules.
Product Range: Their products are designed to seamlessly integrate with building architecture, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. They are known for their innovative solutions that enhance the visual appeal of buildings while generating clean energy.
Sustainability: The company's commitment to sustainable energy is evident in its contributions to solar module manufacturing and integration, making significant strides in the BIPV sector.
6. Envelon
Website: www.envelon.com
Overview:
Affiliation: Part of the Grenzebach Group since 2021.
Specialization: Envelon merges extensive experience in solar and façade engineering with Grenzebach’s expertise in glass production and industrial automation.
Product Offering: The company offers sustainable and aesthetically pleasing energy solutions for various properties, enabling businesses to efficiently generate power on-site.
Innovation: Envelon's innovative approach to integrating solar technology into building facades and structures makes them a key player in the BIPV market.
7. Solar Lab
Website: www.solarlab.global
Overview:
Location: Based in Denmark.
Specialization: Solar Lab creates custom solar facades with unmatched design freedom, resilience, and positive ROI.
Notable Installation: They have successfully installed one of the world’s largest building-integrated photovoltaic installations at Copenhagen International Schools, showcasing the effectiveness, ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic flexibility of their systems.
Market Impact: Solar Lab’s innovative and flexible solutions make them a leading provider of custom solar facades in various architectural contexts across Northern Europe.
8. Hanergy Holding Group Ltd
Website: www.hanergy.eu
Overview:
Location: Headquartered in Beijing, China.
Specialization: Hanergy specializes in the thin-film solar value chain, including the manufacturing of solar modules and equipment and the development of solar parks.
Technologies: They are at the forefront of technologies such as copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), gallium arsenide (GaAs), and silicon heterojunction thin-film technologies.
Collaborations: Hanergy collaborates with various industries, including automotive (Audi, FAW-Volkswagen, Guangqi Honda, Tesla, Bolloré), aerospace (NASA, Boeing), logistics (DHL), and retail (Ikea, Deuter), to pioneer solar-powered services and products.
9. Solarstone
Website: www.solarstone.com
Overview:
Foundation and Location: Established in 2015 in Viljandi, Estonia.
Specialization: Solarstone specializes in building integrated solar panels.
Funding and Projects: In July 2022, they secured EUR 10 million in venture funding. By August 2022, the company completed over 180 projects across seven countries, offering products like solar roofs, framing kits, tiles, and PV systems for on/off-grid storage.
Innovation: Solarstone’s innovative approach to integrating solar technology into building materials makes them a leader in the BIPV market.
10. HIITIO New Energy
Website: www.hiitio.com
Overview:
Foundation and Location: Established in 2009, headquartered in Hangzhou, China, with a manufacturing facility in Xuancheng.
Specialization: HIITIO is a leading manufacturer of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), specializing in extending clean energy generation to curtain walls, siding, roofs, CIGS flexible PV modules, plane PV tiles, and metal PV tiles.
Comprehensive Solutions: They combine highly efficient BIPV system technology with aesthetic design, providing comprehensive solutions to meet diverse client needs.
Market Impact: HIITIO's commitment to innovation and sustainability makes them a key player in the global BIPV market.
Special Recommendation：First Glass
Website: www.firstglassgroup.com
Overview:
Foundation and Location: Headquartered in Shandong, China, with a manufacturing facility in Dezhou.
Specialization: First Glass is a leading manufacturer of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), specializing in extending clean energy generation to curtain walls, siding, roofs, CIGS flexible PV modules, plane PV tiles, and metal PV tiles.Their BIPV glass has VDE,UKCA,CE and ROHS certificationis recognized as one of the most professional and fully certified glass and mirror manufacturers in the industry.
Shandong First Glass Co., Ltd. based in China, this company specializes in producing a wide range of mirrors, including decorative mirrors, bathroom mirrors, and custom mirrors tailored to specific needs.
Comprehensive Solutions: They combine highly efficient BIPV system technology with aesthetic design, providing comprehensive solutions to meet diverse client needs.
Market Impact: First Glass's commitment to innovation and sustainability makes them a key player in the global BIPV market.
Introduction
First Glass is not only a renowned name in the glass manufacturing industry but also a trusted supplier of high-quality finished aluminum products. With extensive experience in exporting its aluminum products outside of China, First Glass has built a strong reputation for adhering to the highest international standards, ensuring that their offerings meet global expectations for performance, safety, and durability.
Compliance with International Standards
All aluminum products from First Glass comply with key international standards, including the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). The ASTM standards ensure that the materials used in construction and manufacturing meet stringent criteria for quality, safety, and environmental sustainability. Compliance with these standards demonstrates First Glass's commitment to delivering reliable and durable products to its global clientele.
Range of Finished Aluminum Products
First Glass offers a diverse portfolio of finished aluminum products that cater to various industries and applications, including:
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Aluminum Profiles: Suitable for architectural, construction, and industrial use, these profiles provide structural strength and aesthetic appeal, widely used in window frames, doors, and curtain walls.
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Aluminum Sheets and Plates: Lightweight yet strong, these products are ideal for automotive, aerospace, and marine applications where strength-to-weight ratio is critical.
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Aluminum Extrusions: Used in a range of industrial applications, these extrusions are designed to meet specific mechanical and structural requirements while ensuring easy assembly and superior functionality.
Global Export Expertise
Having worked with clients in regions across North America, Europe, and beyond, First Glass has extensive experience in navigating international trade requirements, logistics, and regulatory compliance. The company’s aluminum products are not only crafted to meet regional building codes and standards but are also designed with a global perspective, offering reliability and performance in diverse environments.
By combining the advanced technical standards of ASTM with a deep understanding of global market needs, First Glass continues to be a preferred partner for businesses looking for high-quality, standards-compliant finished aluminum products.
Conclusion
In 2024, the competitive landscape of BIPV manufacturers is dynamic and ever-evolving. Through relentless efforts and innovation, these companies are collectively driving the development of solar building-integrated photovoltaic technology. The competition among these manufacturers extends beyond technological advancements, playing a crucial role in constructing a cleaner and more sustainable future. Stay tuned for the latest developments in BIPV and solar technology!
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