Luminous and solar characterization of PV modules for building integration

The optical characterization of different PV modules for integration in buildings (BIPV) is presented in this paper. The investigated PV modules are laminated glasses (PV laminates) suitable for integration in façades and windows. They are made of different PV cell technologies and some of them present a certain transparency degree, making possible to combine daylighting properties with solar control and electrical generation. The approach is based on spectral UV/vis/NIR reflectance and transmittance measurements of the different considered samples, both at normal incidence and as a function of the angle of incidence when it is possible. The European standard protocols are used to determine the luminous and the solar characteristics of each sample, enabling the optical assessment of these PV modules as building elements. The results indicate the good properties of PV laminates in terms of daylighting and solar control capabilities allowing a feasible efficient integration in building façades and windows. The obtained characteristic parameters can be used to simulate the influence in the energy balance of a building of different types of PV modules integrated in façade or window elements.