Toward multi-functional PV glazing technologies in low/zero carbon buildings: Heat insulation solar glass - Latest developments and future prospects

Heat insulation solar glass (HISG) is a recently developed multi-functional photovoltaic (PV) glazing technology to mitigate energy consumption of buildings and to provide optimum thermal comfort conditions to occupants. In essence, HISG represents an improved transparent amorphous silicon (a-Si) PV module prepared with several optimized coatings and structures. HISG differs from conventional PV glazing products by having some characteristic features such as thermal insulation, sound absorption, self-cleaning and notable energy saving. In addition, HISG has a 100% UV blocking rate and remarkably low shading coefficient, which provides desired lighting related thermal comfort conditions for indoor environments. HISG is also competitive with conventional double glazed products in market in terms of fabrication cost. In this respect, it is highly expected that HISG has a strong potential to dominate the fenestration market in the near future. In this research, a comprehensive review of HISG technology is presented. Power generation, thermal insulation, energy saving, self-cleaning, acoustic and aesthetic features of HISG are evaluated in detail through the state-of-the-art literature survey. Existing research projects on the scope and future prospects are also addressed within the scope of this study.