What are the key skills and competencies needed for BIPV professionals and stakeholders?

1 Solar design

Solar design is the ability to create and optimize BIPV solutions that meet the functional, aesthetic, and performance requirements of a building project. Solar design involves understanding the solar resource, the building envelope, the electrical system, the energy demand, and the environmental impact of BIPV. Solar design also requires creativity, communication, and collaboration skills to work with architects, engineers, contractors, clients, and other stakeholders.

2 Solar installation

Solar installation is the ability to safely and efficiently install, test, and commission BIPV systems according to the design specifications and quality standards. Solar installation involves technical skills in electrical, mechanical, and structural aspects of BIPV, as well as knowledge of codes, regulations, and best practices. Solar installation also requires problem-solving, troubleshooting, and customer service skills to deal with unexpected issues and ensure customer satisfaction.

3 Solar operation

Solar operation is the ability to monitor, maintain, and optimize the performance and reliability of BIPV systems over their lifetime. Solar operation involves data analysis, fault detection, preventive and corrective maintenance, and system upgrade skills. Solar operation also requires regulatory compliance, reporting, and documentation skills to meet the legal and contractual obligations of BIPV owners and operators.

4 Solar innovation

Solar innovation is the ability to research, develop, and implement new technologies, materials, methods, and business models for BIPV. Solar innovation involves scientific, engineering, and entrepreneurial skills to identify and address the gaps and opportunities in the BIPV market. Solar innovation also requires vision, leadership, and networking skills to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration among BIPV researchers, developers, and users.

5 Solar advocacy

Solar advocacy is the ability to promote and support the adoption and diffusion of BIPV in the society. Solar advocacy involves educational, marketing, and policy skills to raise awareness, influence opinions, and shape decisions of the public, the media, the policymakers, and the industry. Solar advocacy also requires passion, credibility, and ethics skills to convey the benefits and values of BIPV in a truthful and respectful manner.

6 Solar learning

Solar learning is the ability to continuously acquire and update the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for BIPV. Solar learning involves self-directed, experiential, and collaborative learning skills to access, evaluate, and apply relevant information and feedback from various sources. Solar learning also requires curiosity, openness, and adaptability skills to embrace new challenges and opportunities in the dynamic and evolving field of BIPV.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?