Energy performance analytical review of semi-transparent photovoltaics glazing in the United Kingdom

• Published in: Journal of Building Engineering 2022-08, Vol.54, p.104686, Article 104686
• Main Authors: Musameh, Haytham, Alrashidi, Hameed, Al-Neami, Faris, Issa, Walid
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Energy; Energy conservation; Energy efficiency; Photovoltaic cells; Solar energy
• ISSN: 2352-7102; 2352-7102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2022.104686

This work reviews the recent achieved advancement in semi-transparent photovoltaics (STPV) glazing systems, which are considered as a possible solution to improve the thermal performance of buildings. A numerical model was developed utilising EnergyPlus to investigate the impact of integrating STPV glazing systems in the United Kingdom. The simulation investigated the overall energy consumption under different Window-to-Wall ratio (WWR) for south-oriented STPV glazing systems with different transparencies and materials. The results indicated that employing clear double-glazing in small glazing situation at WWR = 30% would reduce the overall energy consumption by (7.5–26) % depending on the implemented STPV glazing systems. Furthermore, applying STPV glazing system in large glazing (WWR ≥70%) would lead to a decrease in the overall energy performance by 40% compared with the conventional clear double-glazing systems. However, utilising STPV glazing systems in medium-sized glazing is dependent on the solar material that is used. The results indicated that employing a-Si STPV glazing system is inefficient when the glazing cover (30%