Review of Façade Photovoltaic Solutions for Less Energy-Hungry Buildings

Abstract

Building-integrated photovoltaic technologies have considerable potential for the generation of onsite renewable energy. Despite this, their market penetration is in a relatively embryonic phase with respect to grounded or building-attached solutions, and they have limited commercial application. Their integration into building façades may represent a key asset in meeting the net-zero emissions by 2050 scenario, in particular for high-rise buildings in which the roof-to-façade ratio is unfavorable for the fulfillment of the energy load using only roof photovoltaic technology. Moreover, different façade orientations extend the production time throughout the day, flattening the power generation curve. Because of the present interest in BIPV systems, several researchers have conducted high-quality reviews focused on specific designs. In this work, various photovoltaic technologies and methods used to manufacture façade BIPV devices are reviewed with the aim of presenting researchers with the recent technological advancements and providing an overview of photovoltaic systems designed for different purposes and their applications rather than a detailed analysis of a specific technology. Lastly, future prospects and the limitations of building-integrated photovoltaic devices are presented.

Design of a Color Neutral Nonpatterned Photovoltaic Window Based on Luminescent Solar Concentrator

“…While several innovative approaches to increase the efficiency and the architectonical integration of BIPV technologies, [ 15,16 ] thanks to their unique properties semi‐transparent solutions based on luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are of increasing interest in academia and industry. LSC panels are able to absorb and redistribute a portion of the solar radiation impinging on them, thus reducing the number of cells for active area and harvesting both direct and diffuse solar radiation almost with the same efficiency.…”