Title:	Design and Characterization of Semitransparent Patterned PV Modules for Greenhouse Applications
Author(s):	C.A. Toledo Arias, A. Scognamiglio, F. Frontini
Keywords:	Design, Solar Landscaping, PV Module, Characterisation, PV Greenhouse
Topic:	PV Systems Engineering, Integrated/Applied PV
Subtopic:	Infrastructure-integrated PV (I2PV) and Nature-inclusive PV (eco-PV); Vehicle Integrated PV (VIPV)
Event:	8th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion
Session:	4BV.1.33
Pages:	1215 - 1218
ISBN:	3-936338-86-8
Paper DOI:	10.4229/WCPEC-82022-4BV.1.33
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper, poster

Abstract/Summary:

---

Continuous progress in photovoltaic (PV) technology has provided additional possibilities for integration in buildings meeting aesthetical requirements for innovative architecture designs while producing electricity directly from the sunlight to be utilized to mitigate its energy demand. Among the more promising fields to transfer the multifunctional character of the PV panels, greenhouse plant production is one of the most potentially application able to combine food and energy production on the same land unit. This paper presents the design, development and characterization of an innovative glass-glass semitransparent patterned PV modules where a careful approach in terms of integration of PV technology in the landscape is considered. By the scanning of a specific image which mimics with the surrounding landscape, using pixelation technique in the design, and ink-jet process for manufacturing of the outer glass layer, the first prototypes have been developed. These modules have been implemented in the renovation of a commercial-size greenhouse located in an historical environment, the Botanical Garden in Portici (Italy), and tested under steady state conditions in order to characterize electrical performance as well as global transmittance of the patterned glass. Both experiences serve as the basis for improving new designs, advancing towards PV-agri solutions which find the best compromise between functional characteristics and aesthetic ones.