Transparent solar cells and modules

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"The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart."
(Benjamin Franklin)

Transparent solar cells, Kriegerhornbahn, Lech, Austria Transparent solar cells, Sunways Largest transparent module, courtesy Ertex Solar GmbH

Kriegerhornbahn, transparent solar cells, transparent module and the largest transparent module available
(sources/copyright: from left to right - Sunways, Sunways/Ferit Kuyas, Ertex Solar GmbH)

Transparent solar modules offer probably the most attractive BIPV sollutions. Modules with different transparency rates and/or different technologies are available on the market. Most common they consist of transparent crystalline cells, very often are also modules with transparent back side and with standard crystalline cells. Another interesting sollution are thin film transparent amorphous modules. Transparent modules can be used as window glazing in usual windows, sunspaces, they can be integrated into roofs etc. Quite often they are also a part of shading devices whether movable or not. Such systems are also knows as "shadow-voltaic" systems. Transparent modules can be also part of energy efficient glazing, where they are used instead of usual glass. With coloured back side interesting architectural visual effects can be obtained. Such sollutions are often used in old architectural protected heritage buildings. Example of heritage building renovation with photovoltaic roof tiles you may also find in roof tiles section. Very attractive are also thin film modules because they offer some tailor made sollutions - different shapes or patterns within modules are possible. World's largest photovoltaic module with rated power 1500 W was presented on Intersolar fair in June 2005 (see photo above). Module is produced by austrian company Ertex Solar GmbH. Glass-glass laminate module is suitable for facade integration, atriums or large sunspaces.

Transparent modules as shading devices

Transparent modules as glazing

Transparent modules are often part of shading devices. Shading devices - like overhangs for example - can be fixed or movable. Manual tracking-combined with shadowing system, or automatic tracking systems can be realised. Very often they are realised as venetian blinds or classic awnings. Vertical ond horizontal shading devices are used in practice. If transparent modules are integrated into transparent roof or sunspace glazings they also offer some shading so additional shading devices are usually not necessary. Some shading devices you may find in pictures below. For details about shading calculation, shading analysis tools etc. please see shading section.

Vertical awnings with transparent solar cells in "Gemini Haus", Weiz, Austria (Photo: Denis Lenardic)

Transparent movable vertical solar shading device made of transparent modules, Weiz, Austria.

Movable solar shading device, made of transparent modules
(Photo: Denis Lenardic)

Different types of transparent modules are used as glazing, most common crystalline as single glazing or double (low U-value) insulation glass. Transparent modules can also be used in sunspaces and atriums. Example of renewed heritage building with transparent modules you may see on picture below.

Solar fabrik, Freiburg, atrium with transparent modules as facade glazing, photo Denis Lenardic.

Solar fabrik, Freiburg atrium with transparent modules and shadowing modules (Photo: Denis Lenardic).

Renewed heritage building with transparent solar modules (Source/copyright: Building integrated photovoltaic, CLER, photo Solarte)

Roof integrated transparent modules

As roof-integrated transparent modules usualy glass-glass laminates without frame are used. For Special roof types like curved roof plastic laminates are used. Often "Makrolon^®" or simmilar materials are used. Crystalline cells are most common sollution, transparency rate is defined by distance between solar cells (as larger the distance as larger the transparency rate of transparent modules).

Further information

Very good survey - with many nice photos - about BIPV systems you may find in information leaflet written by Hespul, APERe, ZREU, CLER experts:

Building integrated photovoltaic - Information leaflet written by Hespul, APERe, ZREU, CLER experts gives very good overwiev about BIPV systems and sollutions. Leaflet can be downloaded as pdf file for free (6,9Mb)

Languages:
Webmaster's choice - very good survey about BIPV systems and sollutions.

Commercialy available transparent glazings and modules
	Glaswerke Arnold GmbH&Co.KG - VOLTARLUX® products are based on ASI thin-film photovoltaic modules supplied by SCHOTT Solar GmbH. Languages: Webmaster's choice - one of the best web sites related to BIPV applications.
	ertex solar GmbH - the goal of ertex solar is fabrication of high quality solar modules, to extend the opportunities for utilizing photovoltaics in architectural design as well as building integration. Languages: Webmaster's choice - detailed descriptions of transparent PV laminates etc.
	Scheuten Solar - Scheuten Solar is a leading producer of high quality standard glass-tedlar PV modules (Multisol®) and custom made glass-glass PV modules (Optisol®). Languages:
	Schott - glass laminates and double glazed units incorporating ASI® Glass solar panels. Languages:
	Kaneka Corp. - thin film transparent modules. Languages:
	Saint-Gobain Glass - Saint-Gobain Glass Exprover web site. Languages:
	Sunways AG - transparent crystalline solar cells and modules, coloured solar cells. Languages:
	Wuerth Solar - transparent thin film (CIS) modules, predefined or tailor made sollutions. Languages:

Literature and more information

Das Gemini Haus - description of highly energy efficient house. Shading PV devices are also part of the house.
Building integrated photovoltaic - Information leaflet written by Hespul, APERe, ZREU, CLER experts gives very good overwiev about BIPV systems and sollutions. Leaflet can be downloaded as pdf file for free (6,9 Mb)
ASI® Glas - Bauen mit der Sonne – Solarstrom aus der Gebäudehülle (2,96 Mb)