Simulation of Colored BIPV Modules Using Angular-Dependent Spectral Responsivity

Abstract

An accurate energy yield estimation for building-integrated photovoltaic (PV) applications with colored glass under field conditions is a key factor for architects, building planners, and potential investors. The power output of these installations depends not only on the angle of incidence but also on the incident solar spectrum. The aim of this work is to simulate the short-circuit current of PV single-cell laminates with colored solar glass under field conditions. Therefore, we use angular-dependent spectral responsivity measurement data from a physical setup. Test samples with gold-, blue-, blue-green-, and gray-colored solar glass and a reference with standard solar glass, oriented on a tilted surface, are simulated. The results for one month of field validation indicate a good agreement with a relative root mean square error between 1.9% and 2.5% for the test samples. A model comparison reveals larger errors for the blue, blue-green, and gold test samples when the spectral responsivity at normal incidence and the incident angle modifier for broadband direct irradiation are used instead. It is concluded that short-circuit current simulation using indoor characterization from spectrally resolved measurement setups provides improved accuracy that is particularly suitable for bankable energy yield estimates of colored building-integrated PV modules.