Photovoltaic glass winter

Their findings demonstrated that the innovative naturally ventilated PV double glazing could notably decrease indoor energy consumption by 28 %. Lu and Law investigated the thermal, electrical, and indoor lighting performance of single-pane STPV windows installed in office buildings in Hong Kong.

The single-pane glass used in Case 1 resulted in substantial heat gain within the interior due to inadequate insulation. In contrast, the case featuring STPV glazing demonstrates that the power generation benefits of the photovoltaic system significantly reduce the building's annual net indoor electricity consumption.

Photovoltaic systems used on buildings can be categorized into two main types: building-attached photovoltaics (BAPV) and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). This classification depends on whether the PV system affects the building's functionality or is integrated into its structure .

It has a number of limitations: cost, low efficiency, lack of proven stability, lack of aesthetic appeal and awareness, and so on. However, among other things, translucent photovoltaic windows can generate electricity with reduced air conditioning loads and can improve the natural lighting environment inside BIPV buildings.

The literature review indicates that research on STPV systems has primarily concentrated on hot climates, where their effectiveness in reducing cooling loads has been established. In winter, the heat generated by STPV can be utilized to warm indoor air. Hence, STPV systems can function as PV/heat hybrid systems in cold regions .

In window-style installations, semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) glazing replaces traditional windows, converting solar energy directly into electricity . Li et al. conducted an investigation into the thermal and visual properties, energy performance, and financial aspects of STPV façades.