Bangalore: The Rs 250-crore Tata BP Solar India Ltd plans to chalk out a financing scheme to popularise its newly launched Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Laminates in the country. The new technology could be used as a replacement for building materials like glass and at the same time generate power which could be consumed locally within the building. Speaking to FE Tata BP Solar managing director AK Vora said: "The company is in talks with financial institutions in the country to make available the new technology for retail customers. At present a slew of institutional customers have evinced interest in adopting the BIPV technology."

"BIPV laminates converts sun light into electricity and can replace or combined with the normal glass which are used by most of the big buildings in India for their outer walls, atriums etc," Mr Vora said.

BIPV is modular, silent, free from fuel, pollution free, provides sound and heat insulation, besides adding to the aesthetics of the buildings, he said. This is fast becoming the preferred choice in many countries to replace ordinary glass building elements for atriums, facades, roof, rain screens etc.

Since the launch of the product in India, individuals and corporates have shown interest in BIPV laminates. "BIPV laminates are 2 to 2.5 times more expensive than the normal glass, but ultimately it provides you consistent electricity for more than 30 years and a financing scheme would make it all the more attractive for the customers to invest in the product," Mr Vora said.

BIPV from Tata BP Solar is cost effective compared to the same products in Europe and the US due to the unique manufacturing process developed by the company, Mr Vora said. The company is going to apply for both process and design patent for the special lamination process and design construction of the BIPV laminates.

"We can offer it at a price which is at least 20 per cent cheaper compared to those available currently," he said.