NEW ARCHITECTURAL POSSIBILITIES FOR THIN-FILMS IN BUILDING INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAICS

摘要

The integration of photovoltaics in buildings is a key to the future of PV technology. Architects and engineers are willing to integrate PV into their overall design projects and concepts. We know that architects are restricted to selecting PV technologies that are on the market. Further research into building integrated PV is also required to achieve the aims of architects and designers, which is to enhance the use of this technology in their buildings. The increased use of this technology in building integrated PV (BIPV) and research into thin films is expected to be ongoing in the medium and long terms to reduce the costs of the technology in such applications. For thin films, high efficiency is the key to reducing the cost per rated watt of product in the long term. Third generation PV may triple efficiencies and hence significantly reduce costs of thin-film cells and modules. The possible uses of thin film PV in BIPV are wide ranging. And what important architectural and engineering characteristics must it have to make it suitable in BIPV? As the efficiency of thin-film cells continues to rise, their flexibility of use in BIPV will increase, making them a great asset. PV researchers are aiming for greater efficiency. Architects want to use PV in new applications and integration methods and want PV modules with improved aesthetics for specific projects. The solar industry is looking for cost-effectiveness in PV. The requirements of architects for the enhanced integration of photovoltaic's into buildings are demonstrated.