Building-integrated Photovoltaic Applications Research Articles

Stable and Eco-Friendly Ag–In–S/Zn–S Quantum Dots for an Efficient and Optically Transparent Luminescent Solar Concentrator-Organic Photovoltaic System

Quantum dot (QD) based luminescent solar concentrator-organic photovoltaic (LSC-OPV) systems demonstrate significant potential in applications including building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). In this study, eco-friendly Ag–In–S/Zn–S QDs with a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY = 73%) are synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method. The influence of Zn-S precursor reactivity on QD properties is studied. The synthesized QDs exhibit excellent stability over a wide temperature range (90–360 K). The Ag–In–S/Zn–S LSCs maintain over 90% of their initial PLQY after a two-month exposure to natural sunlight. Additionally, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the fabricated LSC-OPV system reaches 1.00% under near-actual condition (9 mW cm-2). Moreover, when the irradiation intensity is further decreased to 0.4 mW cm-2, the LSC-OPV system shows a PCE as high as 5.27%, demonstrating that the LSC-OPV system can operate efficiently at low illumination intensities. Notably, the fabricated LSCs have minimal impact on the incident sunlight spectrum, making them suitable for BIPV applications. Thus, this study is a first that is known to report the integration of eco-friendly QD-based LSCs with organic photovoltaic cells, which positively contributes to the advancement of BIPV.

Thin-Film Technologies for Sustainable Building-Integrated Photovoltaics

This study investigates the incorporation of thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) technologies in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and their contribution to sustainable architecture. The research focuses on three key TFPV materials: amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), examining their composition, efficiency, and BIPV applications. Recent advancements have yielded impressive results, with CdTe and CIGS achieving laboratory efficiencies of 22.10% and 23.35%, respectively. The study also explores the implementation of building energy management systems (BEMS) for optimizing energy use in BIPV-equipped buildings. Financial analysis indicates that despite 10.00–30.00% higher initial costs compared to conventional materials, BIPV systems can generate 50–150 kWh/m2 annually, with simple payback periods of 5–15 years. The research emphasizes the role of government incentives and innovative financing in promoting BIPV adoption. As BIPV technology progresses, it offers a promising solution for transforming buildings from energy consumers to producers, significantly contributing to sustainable urban development and climate change mitigation.

Ultrathin transparent indium tin oxide-based electrodes for enhanced performance of perovskite solar cells

Abstract Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been given much attention in photovoltaics-based power generation, particularly in building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) applications due to their lightweight and promising technical performance. PSCs exhibit remarkable transparency to visible light, which makes them an ideal candidate for BIPV applications such as glass-based solar facades and clear solar windows. As the PSC is yet an immature technology, much research is still required to validate its visibility and cost-effectiveness for different applications including electrical vehicles. This paper takes one step forward in achieving this goal by presenting a new ultrathin transparent electrodes (UTE) design that comprises a square patch layout to improve the performance of transparent conductive materials. The proposed electrode design is aimed to improve the absorption of the material in the ultra-violet (UV) region with high optical transparency. To assess the angular dependence on the absorption characteristics, both transverse magnetic and transverse electric modes are studied at various oblique angles of incident light. Furthermore, interference theory is applied numerically to validate the proposed UTE design. The impact of various geometric parameters including period, ground height, spacer height, and top square resonator length on the performance of the proposed UTE layout is investigated through detailed simulation analysis. Moreover, surface electric field patterns are analyzed to understand the absorption mechanism of the proposed UTE. Results reveal the effectiveness of the proposed structure for various BIPV applications including electric vehicles, wearable electronics, and tandem devices.

Red-color-modulated perovskite solar cells with copper(I) thiocyanate/cellulose acetate-based distributed Bragg reflectors

Abstract This study investigates the development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) equipped with distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) through a coating-based fabrication technique. The incorporation of DBRs enhanced the esthetic appeal and improved the light absorption properties of PSCs, rendering them suitable for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). The DBRs, composed of 3–11 layers of copper(I) thiocyanate and cellulose acetate, exhibited peak reflectance at 700 nm. However, as the number of DBR layers increased, there was a corresponding decrease in short-circuit current density (J sc) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) due to greater light reflection. Specifically, compared with PSCs without DBRs, those with 11-layer DBRs showed 41.2% and 39.0% reduction in J sc and PCE, respectively. Despite these reductions, this study highlights the potential of colored PSCs for practical BIPV applications, achieving a balance between esthetics and efficiency.

Simulation of perovskite solar cell with transparent contacts for solar windows

In recent years, halide-based perovskite solar cells (PSC) have caught worldwide attention since their power conversion efficiency (PCE) has surpassed 25% with low fabrication cost and high scalability. The semi-transparent PSC (ST-PSC) is suitable for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications, especially for solar windows. The ST-PSC must demonstrate a reasonable balance between PCE and transparency in the visible region for solar windows, which is inversely proportional to each other. This work studies ST-PSC based on methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) as solar windows using the General-Purpose Photovoltaic Device Model (GPVDM) and OPAL 2 as the simulation platforms. Parameters such as methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) thickness, silver (Ag) contact thickness and indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent contact thickness are investigated in relation to the PCE and average visible transmission (AVT). The results demonstrate that the ST-PSC with MAPbI3 thickness of 500 nm and ITO bottom transparent contact of 100 nm leads to PCE of 22.85% and AVT of 11.36%. These parameters represent the best results obtained in this work.

Digitalising BIPV energy simulation: A cross tool investigation

The long-term viability of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) as a renewable energy technology has garnered increased attention in recent discussions. However, there is currently a noticeable absence of simulation tools specific to BIPV applications that can cover the whole modelling chain. It remains unclear to what extent existing PV and BIM-based simulation tools can effectively address the complexities of BIPV projects. Therefore, this study aims to assess the process of existing simulation tools for BIPV energy simulation, three standalone PV tools (SAM, PV*SOL premium, and PVsyst), two Building Information Modelling (BIM)-based standalone PV tools (BIMsolar and Solarius PV), two plug-ins in BIM-based tools (INSIGHT for Revit, Ladybug Tools for Grasshopper/Rhinoceros 3D), and one Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) tool plugin (Skelion for Sketchup). Based on one existing building project with three different types of BIPV-installations, this study explored the capability of these eight tools in modelling/importing building geometry, selecting weather data, setting system layout and array, evaluating the solar resource, estimating energy losses, and assessing energy generation. The simulation results are compared with monitored energy yield data and presented with deviation analysis. Suggestions focus on pointing out the future development directions for BIPV digital simulation. This study offers insights and guidance for digitalising the BIPV performance simulation in the complex building design.

Transparent and Colorless Luminescent Solar Concentrators Based on ZnO Quantum Dots for Building-Integrated Photovoltaics.

Scientific interest in luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) has reemerged mainly due to the application of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) as highly efficient luminophores. Recently, LSCs have become attractive proposals for Building-Integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) since they could help conventional photovoltaics to improve sunlight harvesting and reduce production costs. However, most of the modern LSCs rely on heavy-metal QDs which are highly toxic and may cause environmental concerns. Additionally, their absorption spectra give them a characteristic color limiting their potential application in BIPV. Herein, we fabricated transparent and colorless LSCs by embedding nontoxic and cost-effective zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO QDs) in a PMMA polymer matrix (ZnO-LSC), preserving the QD optical properties and PMMA transparency. The synthesized colloidal ZnO QDs have an average size of 5.5 nm, a hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure, a broad yellow photoluminescent signal under ultraviolet excitation, and are highly visibly transparent at the employed concentrations (>95% in wavelengths above 400 nm). The optical characterization of the fabricated ZnO-LSCs showed a good visible transparency of 80.3% average visible transmission (AVT), with an LSC concentration factor (C) of 1.02. An optimal device (ZnO-LSC-O) could reach a C value of 2.66 with the combination of optical properties of colloidal ZnO QDs and PMMA. Finally, simulations of the performance of silicon solar cells coupled to the fabricated and optimal LSCs under standard AM 1.5G illumination were performed employing the software COMSOL Multiphysics. The fabricated ZnO-LSC achieved a simulated maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.80%, while the optimal ZnO-LSC-O reached 5.45%. Also, the ZnO-LSC generated a maximum power of 15.02 mW and the ZnO-LSC-O generated 40.33 mW, employing the same active area as the simulated solar cell directly illuminated, which generated 14.39 mW. These results indicate that the ZnO QD-based LSCs may be useful as transparent photovoltaic windows for BIPV applications.

Semitransparent organic photovoltaics enabled by transparent p-type inorganic semiconductor and near-infrared acceptor

Semitransparent organic photovoltaics (STOPVs) have gained wide attention owing to their promising applications in building-integrated photovoltaics, agrivoltaics, and floating photovoltaics. Organic semiconductors with high charge carrier mobility usually have planar and conjugated structures, thereby showing strong absorption in visible region. In this work, a new concept of incorporating transparent inorganic semiconductors is proposed for high-performance STOPVs. Copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) is a visible-transparent inorganic semiconductor with an ionization potential of 5.45 eV and high hole mobility. The transparency of CuSCN benefits high average visible transmittance (AVT) of STOPVs. The energy levels of CuSCN as donor match those of near-infrared small molecule acceptor BTP-eC9, and the formed heterojunction exhibits an ability of exciton dissociation. High mobility of CuSCN contributes to a more favorable charge transport channel and suppresses charge recombination. The control STOPVs based on PM6/BTP-eC9 exhibit an AVT of 19.0% with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.7%. Partial replacement of PM6 with CuSCN leads to a 63% increase in transmittance, resulting in a higher AVT of 30.9% and a comparable PCE of 10.8%.

Performance enhancement of porous clay cooler for BIPV applications using hollowed clay structures and metallic extended fins as evaporation and thermal conductivity enhancers

This paper investigates the employing of a passive evaporative cooling approach to mitigate the temperature rise of PV panels within building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. The investigation explores enhancing the heat transfer capabilities of composite clay layers by incorporating thermal conductive materials such as iron-oxide and zinc-oxide. This enhancement aimed to improve the overall thermal properties of the composite clay structures, thereby boosting heat transfer rates. Additionally, two distinct designs were evaluated as well: one integrating hollowed clay layer and the other featuring a clay layer with extended fins to enhance both heat and mass transfer rates within the evaporative porous clay structure. A series of experiments conducted under real conditions using prototyped building rooms to simulate real BIPV systems to assess the cooling performance of the presented scenarios. The results revealed that the hollowed clay layer achieved the most substantial decrease in PV panel temperature, with a reduction of 16.5 % compared to the findings with a solid clay layer. In contrast, the composite Iron-oxide/clay layer demonstrated the smallest decrease in PV temperature at 11 %. Moreover, utilizing the hollowed clay structure led to a 6.3 % increase in average PV output power, as well as around 4.5 % enhancement in average photovoltaic’s efficiency compared to the outcomes observed with the solid clay layer. Moreover, incorporating the hollowed clay layer resulted in the most significant decrease in the building's annual load, achieving a reduction of 79.6 %. This signifies approximately a 2 % higher enhancement in cooling capabilities compared to utilizing solid clay layer. Further, the cost of electricity production decreased by 7.7 % (from 0.104 $/kWh to 0.096 $/kWh) following the incorporation of the hollowed clay layer, while the payback time was reduced by roughly 0.8 years compared to utilizing the solid clay layer and by 1.7 years in comparison to the non-cooled BIPV system.

Analysis and Selection of Optimal Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Configuration for Building Integrated Photovoltaics Based on Their Annual Outdoor Energy Yield Predicted by Machine Learning

Accurate estimation of annual output energy yield () for perovskite/silicon (PSK/cSi) tandem solar cells is pivotal in assessing their suitability for building‐integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). This study pioneers five machine learning models of ensembles of trees, Gaussian process regressions, regression trees, support vector machines, and artificial neural networks (ANN) to predict output power density and compute for 2T, 3T, and 4T PSK/cSi tandem configurations in Japan's outdoor conditions. Seven predictive inputs of visible‐light solar irradiance, near‐infrared‐light solar irradiance, incident solar spectrum angle, solar module temperature, perovskite thickness, perovskite bandgap, and terminal of tandem configuration (T) drive the machine learning models. These models optimize predictions using k‐fold cross‐validation and Bayesian algorithms, showcasing superior precision in prediction compared to prior models. The ANN model emerges as the best model, displaying the minimal error in predicting , used to estimate across five Japanese locations (Gifu, Naganuma, Okinoerabu, Tosu, and Tsukuba). Results from these locations in blue‐rich solar spectrum zones identify the 4T PSK/cSi tandem configuration, featuring the most outstanding mean maximal (93.63, 263.02, 153.59, and 91.75 kWh m−2 for the east, rooftop, south, and west directions), as the prime candidate for BIPV applications.

Colour-Passive radiative cooling in optoelectronics with Silver/Quantum dot decorated silica multifunctional hybrid structures

The integration of solar cells into the architectural design is hindered by challenges such as passive cooling and colouration appeal. The present study proposes an approach to overcome these obstacles by developing colourful solar cells that maintain optimal performance while addressing limitations related to heat accumulation from plasmon metal nanoparticles and quantum dots (QDs). To attain this, silver/silica microsphere composites combined with CdSe/ZnS core/shell QDs are fabricated with two distinct sizes of Ag nanoparticles embedded around SiO2 microspheres. Upon coating CIGS cells with this hybrid structure, a visually striking vivid green colouration is observed, while ensuring performance efficiency. Furthermore, the radiative cooling capability of these cells is evaluated through indoor and outdoor experiments. Significantly, a substantial temperature reduction of up to 3.2 °C in CIGS cells is achieved when the hybrid structures were applied to the cell's surface under high solar irradiance. The study represents a significant contribution to innovative strategies targeted at achieving passive cooling effect and enhancing aesthetic integration in building-integrated photovoltaics applications.

Analyzing the effectiveness of building integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) to reduce the energy consumption in Dubai

In Dubai, 38.9 % of the total energy consumption is related to buildings, and the high-rise building sector is key to energy efficiency. BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic) can be a very efficient alternative in Dubai because of building load reduction and power generation. This paper aims to investigate energy efficiency according to the number of floors with BIPV application. As a methodology, an analysis model for office use was used with the curtain wall with a floor height of 3.6 m, floor area of 400 m2, and a window area ratio to wall area ratio of 80 %. Energy Plus Version 9.0 and TRNSYS were used as evaluation tools. The physical properties of windows and doors in the analysis model were assumed to be low-E double-glazed glass with a Solar Radiation Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.564, a visible light transmittance of 47.2 %, and a thermal transmittance of 1.760 W/m2K. The result showed that when the alternatives of the window replacement type, exterior wall finishing type, and hybrid type BIPV system are applied, heating and cooling energy consumption is reduced by 13.2 % to 32.8 %. It was proven that applying BIPV was effective in high-rise office buildings. It is practical to replace windows and apply light-transmitting amorphous thin film Photovoltaic (PV) double-layered, double-layered Low-E, or triple Low-E windows, replace exterior wall finishing materials with crystalline PV, or use a mixture of both. The simulation results show that applying a roof-top BAPV (Building-Applied Photovoltaic) system is only practical for low-rise buildings.

Proposing an Approach for the Diffusion of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs)—A Case Study

Consistent probing into building integrity has led to the exploration of clean energy options such as building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV). BIPV has proven to be aesthetically pleasing, architecturally feasible, and capable of making buildings energy producers instead of mere energy consumers. Despite the enormous benefits of BIPV, its adoption and diffusion have been relatively sluggish and remain far below expectations, especially in developing countries like Ghana. This empirical study aims to assess the impact of advertising on BIPV awareness in Ghana. It also highlights the aesthetic preferences of various respondents. The study uses online surveys to gather quantitative data from 412 respondents across all 16 regions of the country. An initial study conducted on the awareness of BIPV in Ghana indicated a low rate of awareness. Therefore, a sensitisation poster and architectural visualization (AV) were adopted to boost awareness across all 16 regions of the country. Awareness of BIPV increased from 18% to 79.5% after the introduction of the sensitisation poster. Also, 88.8% of the respondents preferred BIPV to Building Applied Photovoltaic (BAPV) mainly because of aesthetics (beauty) and the cost benefits. The respondents indicated that aesthetics is paramount when choosing solar panels for their homes. This study therefore recommends high investment in awareness creation, development of specific design guidelines for BIPV applications and establishment of demo projects in developing countries. The findings of this study contribute to the existing literature on BIPV adoption and may be useful for BIPV manufacturers, marketers, government, and other stakeholders as it provides evidence on the often-neglected approach to BIPV diffusion.

Battery Energy Storage System for Building Integrated Photovoltaic Applications

Human pursuits’ daily energy needs are consistent; however, renewable energy sources are intermittent in nature. Thus, an energy storage system is required to bridge the generation-demand gap. Electrical energy storage (EES) is a system that converts electrical energy into a form that can be easily stored in various devices and converted back into electrical energy as needed. The battery energy storage system (BESS) is one of the most well-known and promising EES technologies for storing renewable energy. Today, various BESS types are in use; some are established technology, while others are still in R&D. The selection of BESS capacity for building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems necessitates a trade-off between critical criteria, including power vs. energy, design voltage, and operating temperature. This research analyzed various BESS technologies and presented optimal capacity selection and design criteria. Hence, the best BESS design approach takes into account climatic data, PV panel specifications, and budget constraints. While BESS technology varies depending on project requirements and other considerations, lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used due to their high energy density, efficiency, and extended cycle life. For cost-sensitive BIPV systems, lead-acid batteries are preferred due to their low capital cost, technological maturity, and relatively good cycle efficiency. Thus, the correct quantity of batteries in a BESS bank is determined by energy storage goals, BESS type and size, and service load. Finally, the paper concluded with recommendations for best practices for BESS design, appropriate operation, and maintenance conditions for Nigeria’s prevalent BESS technology for BIPV applications

Perovskite Solar Cell on Stainless Steel Substrate over 10% Efficiency for Building-Integrated Photovoltaics

This study investigated the integration of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) on stainless steel (SS) substrates for application in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Using advanced atomic force microscopy measurements, we confirmed that enhanced substrate roughness increased the reflectance along an interface. Consequently, a remarkable final efficiency of 11.9% was achieved. Notably, PSCs, known for their exceptional efficiency of 26.1%, can overcome the inherent efficiency limitations of SS-based thin-film solar cells. In this study, a PSC with an efficiency of 14% was fabricated on a flexible SS substrate. This study is a significant step towards advancing sustainable energy solutions for BIPV applications. The global shift towards renewable energy sources has catalyzed intensive research and development efforts, rendering the exploration of alternative materials and manufacturing processes a priority. The success of PSCs on SS substrates underscores their promise to achieve a balance between efficiency and versatility in BIPV solutions. Moreover, our findings reveal that controlling the substrate surface characteristics can significantly enhance the performance of PSCs, offering a pathway toward greater energy efficiency and sustainability in the construction industry.

Efficient thermoelectric properties and high UV absorption of stable zinc-doped all-inorganic perovskite for BIPV applications in multiple scenarios

The widespread adoption of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is vital in the transition from carbon-based energy systems to renewable energy. Traditional photovoltaic modules are difficult to meet the requirements of building materials. In this paper, all-inorganic perovskite zinc-doped CsPb0.875Zn0.125X3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) systems studied through first principles calculation. The results indicate that the doped materials have better structural and mechanical stability. Pugh's ratio is higher than 1.75, which has good ductility. CsPb0.875Zn0.125Cl3 has high mechanical strength, ensuring the load-bearing requirements. CsPb0.875Zn0.125I3 exhibits high compressibility and can be easily shaped according to specific requirements. This characteristic makes it highly suitable for applications in areas such as flexible photovoltaic buildings and flexible power generation. The low extinction coefficient and refractive index, ranging between 1.45 and 2.00, along with a transmittance of 88.7 % in the visible light range, indicate its potential for application in semi-transparent devices. The peak absorption coefficient of CsPb0.875Zn0.125Br3 reaches up to 6.11 × 105 cm−1 in the ultraviolet region, with a transmittance of 73 % lower than the other two. This makes it more suitable for building envelope structures. CsPb0.875Zn0.125Cl3 exhibits a peak value of the figure of merit at 300 K is 0.34, demonstrating application potential in building temperature difference power generation. CsPb0.875Zn0.125I3 ultra-thin monolayer has an average sound transmission loss greater than 2 dB, which has more sound insulation potential. This article provides a theoretical basis for the regional application of BIPV.

Assessment of the Effects of the Cavity in BIPV Applications

As building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) become a promising application of decentralized PV systems, it is important to accurately assess their behavior in buildings energy simulations. The module temperature is a major factor in assessing its lifetime and generated power. High module temperatures lead to significant performance deteriorations. The addition of cavity ventilation contributes to decreasing the cavity temperature and is expected to improve the overall performance of BIPV. Thus, the aim of this paper is to explore the impact of the dimensioning of the BIPV cavity and its inlets on the cavity temperature which directly affects the module’s operating temperature. The simulation model developed in previous work was then validated and expanded in order to add an adjustable opening to conduct a sensitivity analysis on the BIPV cavity inlet opening dimension. The projected model consisted of two main parts: a thermal model and an airflow model. These models interact to predict the impact of airflow through the cavity on the cavity’s temperature. The sensitivity analysis included a range of simulations while modifying the dimensions for the ventilation cavity geometry of the BIPV module. The results of the sensitivity analysis revealed that the cavity temperature decreased when the cavity opening was implemented. Different degrees of influence on the cavity temperature were observed by widening or tightening the opening to certain degrees.

Quantifying the benefits of BIPV windows in urban environment under climate change: A comparison of three Chinese cities

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) windows are an effective way to increase distributed PV capacity in the urban environment. However, the effects of BIPV windows on an annual scale have not been rigorously studied. In this study, we compared their performances with different window-to-wall ratios, canyon aspect ratios, and orientations in three Chinese cities. Our results show that in Beijing, BIPV windows with the southward orientation have the highest potential for power generation of 44.7 kWh/(m2·yr), which is 1.5 times the potential in Shenzhen and Nanjing. Compared to clear windows, BIPV windows are advantageous when the window coverage is greater than 50 % in a shallow canyon. The highest electricity saving ratios are found in Beijing (29.7 %), followed by Shenzhen (26.3 %) and Nanjing (23.3 %). However, the electricity saving ratio decreases by over 10 % in deep canyons. Under future climate forcing, the saving potential of BIPV windows increases slightly in Nanjing and remain stable in Shenzhen and Beijing. The study also found that BIPV windows could increase canyon air temperatures by over 0.2 °C during winter days but slightly cool the canyon in summer. The findings guide BIPV application in the built environment and cast light on the construction of low-carbon neighbourhoods.

Sustainable Urban Energy Solutions: Investigating the Solar Potential of Vertical Façades Amidst Adjacent Buildings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This article explores the impact of adjacent buildings on solar exposure for photovoltaic (PV) applications in high-rise urban areas in Malaysia. The rapid urbanization and population density in Malaysia's high-rise areas have increased energy demand, necessitating the exploration of alternative energy sources. Integrating PV systems into vertical façades offers a promising solution for maximizing energy generation in space-constrained urban environments. However, the efficacy of PV systems is influenced by adjacent buildings, including their arrangement, height, and orientation, which affect solar exposure and energy generation potential. Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing PV system design and placement. This study aims to investigate the relationship between adjacent buildings and solar exposure for PV panels mounted on high-rise buildings in Malaysia. By examining these effects, the research provides valuable insights for urban planners, architects, and renewable energy practitioners involved in sustainable urban development. The findings will inform decisions regarding the integration of PV systems, promoting renewable energy adoption, and reducing the environmental impact of urban areas. The article also discusses Malaysia's climate, energy consumption, and solar radiation potential, emphasizing the need to harness solar energy in a country blessed with abundant sunlight. The challenges faced by current air conditioning systems and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications in Malaysia are outlined, along with efforts to address them through energy-efficient systems and awareness campaigns. The research conducted simulations using a 3D model in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, considering different heights and distances of adjacent buildings. The software used for simulations was IES-VE, which offers various modules for energy consumption analysis. The results demonstrate how adjacent buildings affect the annual average energy for different scenarios, highlighting the importance of distance and height. The findings provide insights into the monthly average energy variations and emphasize the relationship between adjacent building height and average energy levels. Overall, this research contributes to the efficient utilization of vertical façades for harnessing solar energy in high-rise urban areas, supporting Malaysia's sustainable energy goals while ensuring urban environment liveability and resilience.

Performance Evaluation of Emerging Perovskite Photovoltaic Energy-Harvesting System for BIPV Applications

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are emerging photovoltaics (PVs) with promising optoelectronic characteristics. PSCs can be semitransparent (ST), which is beneficial in many innovative applications, including building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs). While PSCs exhibit excellent performance potential, enhancements in their stability and scalable manufacturing are required before they can be widely deployed. This work evaluates the real-world effectiveness of using PSCs in BIPVs to accelerate the development progress toward practical implementation. Given the present constraints on PSC module size and efficiency, bus stop shelters are selected for investigation in this work, as they provide a suitably scaled application representing a realistic near-term test case for early-stage research and engineering. An energy-harvesting system for a bus stop shelter in Astana, Kazakhstan, demonstrates the potential performance evaluation platform that can be used for perovskite solar cell modules (PSCMs) in BIPVs. The system includes maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and charge controllers, which can supply PSCM energy to the electronic load. Based on our design, the bus stop shelter has non-transparent and ST PSCMs on the roof and sides, respectively. May (best-case) and December (worst-case) scenarios are considered. According to the results, the PSCMs-equipped bus stop shelter can generate sufficient daily energy for load even in a worst-case scenario.