Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

Solar tiles, solar slates and PV-glass facades: when BIPV makes sense on a new build and what to check.

About this service

BIPV products such as Marley SolarTile, GB-Sol PV Slate and PV-glass curtain walling become part of the building envelope itself. They cost more per kWp than in-roof panels but suit design-led developments, conservation-area infill and architect-led custom builds where a panel array would not be accepted. Ask for MCS certification of the specific tile or slate system, not just of the installer.

Who it's for

Architect-led custom builds
Conservation Area infill
High-spec executive housing
Heritage replicas

How it fits into a new-build programme

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is specified at design stage, entered into the SAP 10.3 calculation, installed during construction and documented at handover. When you compare quotes, check the installer's MCS certification for this technology, the length of the workmanship warranty and who backs it, and what the handover pack will include.

40% of ground floor area

PV / ground floor area

Mar 2027

FHS in force

75%

CO₂ vs 2013 baseline

£4,350 per dwelling

Per-plot premium (2025 prices, FHS Impact Assessment)

For developers and housebuilders

Building integrated photovoltaics (bipv) on volume new-build programmes

On a multi-plot programme, settle four things at procurement: the per-plot price and how it moves with inflation; whether the array is modelled in the SAP 10.3 calculation for every house type; what your structural warranty provider needs to see for roof-integrated PV; and who issues the MCS certificate at handover, since buyers need it to claim Smart Export Guarantee payments.

Developer guide →

For self-builders and architects

Building integrated photovoltaics (bipv) for one-off custom builds

On a one-off build the array is easiest to settle at RIBA Stage 2 or 3, while the roof geometry is still open. Your SAP assessor models the system for the Part L submission, your building control body signs it off, and PV installed as part of constructing a new dwelling is zero-rated for VAT under HMRC Notice 708.

Self-build guide →

How this fits into the FHS compliance pathway

Every FHS-compliant new build passes three regulatory gates. Building integrated photovoltaics (bipv) sits mainly in the second, design-stage Part L compliance, but it affects building control sign-off and the handover documents too:

1
Planning permission Solar PV designed into a new dwelling is normally covered by the dwelling's own planning permission. Conservation areas, Article 4 directions and plots within the curtilage of a listed building need extra planning evidence, usually prepared by the architect or planning agent.
2
Building control: Part L compliance SAP 10.3 is the compliance calculation at FHS launch. The dwelling's emission and primary energy rates must meet their targets, with the PV array, heat pump, fabric U-values and air permeability all entered. The SAP assessor prepares the design-stage and as-built calculations that building control reviews.
3
Completion: certificates and handover The MCS certificate (needed for Smart Export Guarantee payments), the Energy Performance Certificate and the homeowner's handover documents. If your structural warranty provider has requirements for roof-integrated PV, confirm them before the roof goes on.

For a fuller walkthrough of the compliance process, see the Part L 2026 guide and the FHS PV calculator, which sizes a compliant array from your ground floor area.

Frequently asked questions

What is BIPV?

Building Integrated Photovoltaics: solar tiles, solar slates and PV-glass facades that become part of the building envelope rather than sitting on top of it.

When does BIPV make sense over in-roof?

Conservation areas, plots within the curtilage of a listed building, architect-led custom builds and heritage replicas, where the appearance of a panel array would not be accepted.

How much more does BIPV cost?

Tile and slate systems cost noticeably more per kWp than in-roof panels, and output per square metre is usually lower. See the solar roof tiles guide for current price ranges.