Analysis of the barriers to implementing building integrated photovoltaics in Singapore using an interpretive structural modelling approach

Abstract

Due to global climate change, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) have been recognized as an effective solution to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and achieve nearly zero-energy buildings. Nevertheless, BIPV implementation remains a niche development. Various studies have discussed the barriers to BIPV implementation. However, very few studies have endeavoured to investigate the complex interrelationships among the barriers to BIPV implementation in Singapore. In this study, the barriers to BIPV implementation in Singapore are first addressed by a literature review and then verified by local academics and industry experts. Additionally, the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach is deployed to investigate the contextual interrelationships among the identified barriers. Then, a hierarchical structure of the barriers is developed through the ISM method, and the barriers are categorized by clusters, with cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to the classification technique. In addition to the economic-related issues proposed by previous research, which has concentrated on nonspecific BIPV implementation barriers, the findings show that the lack of professionals and the absence of cost-effective BIPV products and design tools should be given specific attention for BIPV implementation in Singapore. The findings offer valuable information on the overall structure and interrelationships among the barriers to Singapore's BIPV industry, and a three-step plan for unlocking the potential of BIPV implementation is proposed. The findings also have implications for future research and for obtaining effective scientific and administrative solutions to facilitate BIPV deployment in Singapore.