Technology Options for the Built Environment in Kenya: Dye-Sensitized and Amorphous Silicon Photovoltaics for Application in NZE Buildings

Abstract

Background: The performance of a Dye-Sensitized Solar Module (DSSM) has been investigated under different outdoor air mass (AM), irradiance intensity and temperature conditions in Wajir, Kitui, Vihiga and Kajiado Counties in Kenya. Methods: The performance was thereafter compared with that of Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) devices undertaken under similar weather conditions in Nigeria. The DSSM's good response to short wavelength radiation made it perform better at increased AM values than what has been reported of a- Si PV modules. Results: Studies on a-Si showed that their performance favors low AM conditions. The DSSM generally performed better than what is reported of a-Si, based on irradiance and temperature dependence. Nonetheless, a-Si devices performed better at higher irradiance intensities. These results show that Dye-Sensitized and a-Si technologies complement each others’ performance when subjected to the outdoor field AM, irradiance and temperature conditions. Conclusion: These findings can be applied in PV sizing, especially for application in Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) in the tropics. Keywords: Amorphous silicon, building integrated photovoltaics, complimentarily, dye-sensitized, geo-thermal, solar PV.