Title:	Versatile & Lightweight Transparent Composite Technology for Advanced BIPV Architectural Solutions
Author(s):	J.M. Vega de Seoane, O. Zubillaga, N. Yurrita, J. Aizpurua, A. Astigarraga Erleaga, I. Arrizabalaga, G. Imbuluzketa, M. Machado, A. Sanz Martinez, E. Román Medina, F.J. Cano
Keywords:	BIPV, Architecture, NZEB, composites, Lightweight
Topic:	PV Systems - Performance, Applications and Integration
Subtopic:	Building, Infrastructure, Landscape and Other Applications of PV
Event:	35th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
Session:	6AO.7.4
Pages:	1452 - 1457
ISBN:	3-936338-50-7
Paper DOI:	10.4229/35thEUPVSEC20182018-6AO.7.4
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper, presentation

Abstract/Summary:

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Despite their yet low market penetration, building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems are expected to play a relevant role in the achievement of Nearly-Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) related targets. One of the main reasons explaining the low market deployment is the lack of versatility and adaptability of the currently dominating glass-based solutions, which present important restrictions at integration level. With the ambition of overcoming those limitations and fulfilling architects’ demands, TECNALIA R&I has developed Solarface, a transparent fibre-reinforced photovoltaic (PV) encapsulation technology that provides freedom in terms of design, lightness, virtually no shape limitations, mechanical strength and durability, at a competitive cost. The fibre-reinforced PV technology makes possible the fabrication of customized products for various applications: building, urban environment, transport, aerospace. etc. The technology has been further developed and demonstrated in the FP7 funded BFIRST project (nº 290616), where portfolio of BIPV products were developed and real scale prototypes were manufactured and demonstrated. The development of the technology continues in EnergyMatching (H2020, nº 768766) where the influence of complex geometries on the cell-resin interface, aesthetic finishes and the introduction of additional functionalities to enhance performance are being explored