Energy and cost analysis of semi-transparent photovoltaic in office buildings

• Published in: Applied energy Vol. 86; no. 5; pp. 722 - 729
• Main Authors: Li, Danny H.W., Lam, Tony N.T., Chan, Wilco W.H., Mak, Ada H.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2009; Elsevier
• Series: Applied Energy
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Daylight illuminance; Economic data; Electric energy; Energy; Energy consumption; Energy economics; Equipments, installations and applications; Exact sciences and technology; General, economic and professional studies; Life cycle cost analysis; Natural energy; Photovoltaic conversion; Semi-transparent photovoltaic; Semi-transparent photovoltaic Energy consumption Life cycle cost analysis Solar irradiance Daylight illuminance; Solar energy; Solar irradiance; Solar irradiance; Energy consumption; Life cycle cost analysis; Daylight illuminance; Semi-transparent photovoltaic; Office building; Semitransparent material; Energy analysis; Solar energy; Technicoeconomic study; Photovoltaic array; Integrated system; Cost analysis; Performance
• ISSN: 0306-2619; 1872-9118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2008.08.009

Solar energy conversion systems and daylighting schemes are important building energy strategies to produce clean energy, reduce the peak electrical and cooling demands and save the building electricity expenditures. A semi-transparent photovoltaic (PV) is a building component generating electricity via PV modules and allowing daylight entering into the interior spaces to facilitate daylighting designs. This paper studies the thermal and visual properties, energy performance and financial issue of such solar facades. Data measurements including solar irradiance, daylight illuminance and output power for a semi-transparent PV panel were undertaken. Using the recorded results, essential parameters pertaining to the power generation, thermal and optical characteristics of the PV system were determined. Case studies based on a generic reference office building were conducted to elaborate the energy and cooling requirements, and the cost implications when the PV facades together with the daylight-linked lighting controls were being used. The findings showed that such an integrated system could produce electricity and cut down electric lighting and cooling energy requirements to benefit the environmental, energy and economic aspects.