Title:	Bifacial PV Balcony and Terrace Fences
Author(s):	R. Valckenborg, S. Villa, B.B. Van Aken, T. Burgers
Keywords:	Bifacial, Energy Performance, Facade, Modelling, Building Integrated PV (BIPV)
Topic:	PV Systems Engineering, Integrated/Applied PV
Subtopic:	PV and Buildings
Event:	8th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion
Session:	4CO.8.5
Pages:	1028 - 1034
ISBN:	3-936338-86-8
Paper DOI:	10.4229/WCPEC-82022-4CO.8.5
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper, presentation

Abstract/Summary:

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We have developed a bifacial PV fence that can be used both on balconies and terraces. For aesthetical reasons the PV fence mimics balusters, by alternating vertical columns of PV cells and (partially) transparent areas. As a result the solar cells cover about 60% of the bifacial fence. We present the full year performance of such a vertical bifacial BIPV-system, by experimental validation of two prototypes. These results are supported by simulation studies, in particular quantifying the shading behaviour, both of fence on fence, but also of the intrinsic horizontal and vertical construction elements of the balcony or terrace fences. One prototype is a west-facing balcony, about one meter from the façade. The bifacial modules on this balcony produce 624 kWh/kWp which corresponds to a PRbifacial=88%. The other prototype is a square-shaped roof terrace fence, consisting of three modules on each side. We present a full analysis of the annual yield for all four sides. The east, west and south side have a specific yield in-line with the performance of a perfectly oriented monofacial module in the Netherlands. The BIGEYE modelling of this system results in a very good agreement between modelled and measured kWh generation per month. Also, we give a detailed insight into which horizontal or vertical construction element causes the most shading losses for each module. The vertical posts on the inside of the northern fence create the largest shading loss, followed by the horizontal toprails above the south, west and east fence and the vertical posts inside of the west and east side. These shading losses are incurred mostly by the north fence (9%) and least by the south (3%).