Building-Attached and Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Systems in Austria

Photovoltaic (PV) systems attached to or integrated in buildings are seen as a very important renewable energy source for electricity generation up to 2050 in Austria. The core objective of this paper is to review the development of photovoltaic systems in buildings in Austria and to identify its major highlights, to document the development of the costs and to discuss further prospects in the next decades including storage options. It is expected that market shares of photovoltaic systems will reach up to half of Austria’s electricity demand by 2050. To meet this level, almost all potentials will have to be exhausted. Every suitable external surface of a building will contribute to PV electricity generation. In addition, a further increase in PV system efficiency of at least 25% should be achieved by 2050.