Experimentations on luminescent glazing for solar electricity generation in buildings

The aim of this study is developing an efficient and practical approach for utilization in buildings of windows and façades for solar energy conversion without impeding vision through glazing. For that purpose, the glazing is processed with a luminescent coating allowing recovering of the high energy photons from the Ultra Violet (UV) spectrum. Indeed, the recovered UV photons are spectrally shifted into the visible spectrum by the luminescent coating and are directed to edges of glazing. By embedding photovoltaic cells of monocrystalline silicon types into the frame of window prototype, it is verified that solar energy conversion is effective from glazing edges. The electricity generated from the edges of the luminescent windows is valuated. The photocurrent and power are increased by adding a tinting film on the backside of luminescent glazing. Experimental tests and analysis of a prototype in operation have been practiced.