Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are becoming a more popular source of renewable energy. It is an on-site renewable energy source within buildings but has limited growth due mainly to lifespan issues throughout the entire life cycle from manufacturing to design, installation, electrical integration, operation, and end of life. This paper reviews the climate-driven deterioration mechanisms of BIPV, including thermal cycling, moisture ingress, atmospheric pollutants, wind loads, etc. They relate these climate-driven deterioration mechanisms to BIPV performance deterioration, energy yield reductions, safety concerns related to energy loss, and long-term reliability of BIPV systems across all parts of the BIPV life cycle. Through many international case studies and recent research results, this review identified major knowledge gaps and bottlenecks in the deployment of BIPV and assessed various strategies for improving the durability, stability/performance, and sustainability of BIPV systems in all weather conditions, such as climate-adjusted materials, better electrical architecture, predictive maintenance, and circular design at the end of life. By integrating the material, electrical, and operational aspects of BIPV, this paper provides an organized approach to increasing the durability, stability/performance, and sustainability of BIPV systems in each climate setting.
Keywords
building-integrated photovoltaics, climate-resilient energy system, lifecycle reliability and degradation, sustainable building envelopes, translational pathways for net-zero buildings
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
8-1-2026
Article Number
105212
ISSN
22131388
Volume
92
Publication Title
Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Science
Funding Information
The authors have extended their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia for funding this work through the Large Research Groups Program under grant number R.G.P.2/171/47.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Nur-E-Alam, M., Basher, M. K., Islam, M. T., Amami, M., Haldhar, R., & Hossain, M. K. (2026). Climate-driven degradation and lifecycle reliability of building-integrated photovoltaic systems: Integration challenges and deployment pathways. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 92, 105212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2026.105212