Photovoltaic modules integrated with a metal curtain wall

Abstract

An integrated photovoltaic system for buildings has many advantages. To realize building integration of photovoltaics, we have initially designed a PV module integrated with a metal curtain wall. PV modules are installed as spandrel panels and consist of long and slender PV sub-modules. These sub-modules have an encapsulated structure consisting of: glass, EVA, solar cells, EVA, and aluminum base plate. We also present initial PV performance data from the experimental wall. In this wall, almost the same maximum P/sub max/ of 64 W/m/sup 2/ was obtained and the module temperature was approximately 10/spl deg/C lower compared with conventional superstrate-type PV modules which have 1.3 times the solar cells of this module. Moreover, aesthetic requirements for this module are discussed.