Lotte Construction Signs MOU for Joint Development of Next-Generation Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Technology

Hyundai Steel, Hanwha Solutions, and Samhwa Paints Join Forces for Joint BIPV Development

Lotte Construction has embarked on the development of next-generation Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. This initiative aims to respond to the mandatory implementation of zero-energy buildings and to enhance the applicability of such systems in architectural structures.

On September 5, Lotte Construction announced that it had recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the joint development of BIPV using the Glass to Steel (GtoS) method with Hyundai Steel, Hanwha Solutions, Samhwa Paints, Epscore, and Korea University. The signing ceremony was attended by Seok Wongyun, Head of the Technology Research Institute at Lotte Construction; Lim Heejung, Head of Product Development Center at Hyundai Steel; Yoo Jaeyeol, Head of Korea Business Division at Hanwha Solutions; and other representatives from each company.

Officials from Lotte Construction, Hyundai Steel, Hanwha Solutions, Samhwa Paints, Epscore, and Korea University are taking a commemorative photo after signing a business agreement for the joint development of next-generation steel-based BIPV at Hyundai Steel Pangyo Office in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on the 4th. From the left: Kim Jungbae, Chief Business Officer of Samhwa Paints; Park Sungcheol, CEO of Epscore; Yoo Jaeyeol, Head of Hanwha Solutions Korea Division; Lim Heejung, Head of Product Development Center at Hyundai Steel; Seok Wongyun, Director of Technology Research Institute at Lotte Construction; Hwang Sungho, Professor at Korea University KU-KIST Green School. Provided by Lotte Construction

Under this agreement, Hyundai Steel and Samhwa Paints will jointly develop materials from the initial stages, while Lotte Construction will be responsible for construction and demonstration. Hanwha Solutions will provide expertise in the renewable energy sector, and Epscore, a specialized BIPV manufacturer, will focus on module development. Korea University will play a role in academic verification and advisory support.

The GtoS method differs from the conventional Glass to Glass (GtoG) approach in that the front is made of glass and the back is made of steel plate. This integrated structure eliminates the need for aluminum frames, thereby reducing weight and enhancing fire resistance. Since last year, Lotte Construction has been collaborating with Epscore on technology development and is currently verifying the system's performance by installing a pilot facility at its headquarters in Jamwon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul.

A Lotte Construction official stated, "We plan to establish an integrated BIPV value chain, spanning from material development to manufacturing and application in buildings," adding, "We will also actively pursue market leadership and global expansion."