Photovoltaics
can be integrated into buildings in a number of different ways. They can be incorporated
as weather membrane, as external cladding or as architectural features. The installation
can be discreet or highly visible such as a solar glass facade.
Solar cells can be integrated into a laminate made from two sheets of glass, or a sheet of glass and a sheet of foil. The glass or foil behind the cells can be coloured, screen printed or tinted to create a variety of visual effects. Solar glazing can be used in double glazed units, curtain wall systems and glazing systems or mounted onto a structure such as a rooftop frame or solar shade structure.
Monocrystalline
pseudo-square |
 |
| Multicrystalline
square 105mm, 1.3Watt 125mm, 2Watt |
|
| Thick-film square 155mm, 2,25Watt |
Cells are typically square or pseudo-square and come in different broad sizes and types.
The cells can be wired to the edge of the laminate or to a junction box on the rear. Different cell types and colours can be incorporated into glass laminates and the spaces between them can be varied to allow dappled light in to the space below or behind them giving the ability to create unique designs.
Solar PV facades are spectacularly beautiful. Why have prestigious-looking but functionless Cladding for the same price, or less, a PV facade could be installed.
The solar cells within the laminates have the beneficial side effect of reducing glare.