Objective
The results of the project will improve and widen the potential for the integration of solar (PV) energy systems into existing buildings. Special attention will be paid architectural and aesthetic questions. Building integration of PV systems in most cases leads to a "high tech" and "modern" appearance of the building. This is caused by the typical window-like surface of most conventional PV modules. Regarding however that90% of the building stock consists of longer existing, that means "old fashioned" buildings, it is evident that anaesthetically satisfying building integration of PV needs a lot of good will and creativity from planners and architects. In many existing building integrated PV systems the modules contrast with the building and its surroundings. A European survey on the potential and needs for building integrated PV components and systems will identify the basis for the development of modules away from the glass / window-like appearance. In the project PV roof tiles, overhead glazing and facade elements based on CIS thin film technology will be developed and investigated which have a modified optical appearance for better adaptation to the building skin. One of the ideas is optical decoupling of substrate and cover glass. A complete roof tile system with thin film cells adapted to the visual appearance of conventional roof tiles and innovative connection and mounting will be developed. The work includes prototype fabrication and tests according to relevant standards and subsequent performance tests. Novel overhead glazing includes semitransparent thin film modules optimised for daylight transmission. The backside appearance will be modified in order to represent the visible inner part of the building skin. For overhead and insolating glazing an invisible interconnection and for PV roof tiles a low cost connector will be developed. Project results will be systems ready for industrial production.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
FP6-2002-ENERGY-1
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
STREP - Specific Targeted Research ProjectCoordinator
STUTTGART
Germany