The solar photovoltaic is a renewable energy source which allows nowadays, in many places, the generation of electricity at a cost comparable with the conventional thermal generation methods. However, ending 2014, with a worldwide power capacity installed of 177 GW, the integration level in the electricity generation mix was still far from the targets set up for this technology in the global warming mitigation strategies. Technical, financial and regulatory barriers slow down a massive penetration of photovoltaic generation facilities, hence practical and innovative measures are necessary to facilitate a wider deployment. The building integration of solar photovoltaic facilities offers an efficient solution because the electricity is generated near the consumption point and gives a new economic value to roofs and facades. In this paper we develop a scientist methodology for determining the potential in shopping centres, to establish that, in terms of photovoltaic integration, these present important competitive advantages over other alternatives, i.e. the residential buildings. The power capacity potential obtained making use of this methodology in the countries selected is 16,8 GW, that means 10% of the worldwide capacity installed at the end of 2014, with a yearly electricity generation of 22,7 TW h equivalent to 14% of the worldwide generation in 2014. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.