Assessment of the efficiency of window integrated CdTe based semi-transparent photovoltaic module

Abstract

Use of ventilated semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) module integrated window systems offer energy saving vis-à-vis heating/cooling requirement along with energy generation. The present work investigates the net potential outcomes of the STPV window system in a composite climate of India. Consideration of effect of Angle of Incidence (AOI) on energy generation is another pivotal aspect of the study. Detail analysis of variation in the generation and net energy consumption with design cum installation parameters and Opto-thermal characteristics of STPV module have been presented. The analysis has been carried using both experimental and simulation data. The application of high efficient cadmium telluride (CdTe) STPV module resulted in more energy generation from the window systems. The maximum energy generation of the highest efficient module was found to be 119.6kWh/m2/yr. A window as per the recommendation of the energy conservation building code of India was considered as reference case to analyze the energy-saving potential of the STPV systems. Compared to the reference window, the saving in net energy consumption was found to be as high as 60.4%. The findings of the research indicate that the considered STPV technology based window system has great potential in the daytime used buildings of the studied location.