Building integrated semi-transparent photovoltaics: Energy and daylighting performance

This paper focuses on modeling and evaluation of semi-transparent photovoltaic technologies integrated into a cooling-dominated office building facade by employing the concept of three-section fa ade. An energy simulation model is developed, using building simulation software, to investigate the effect of semi-transparent photovoltaic transmittance on the energy performance of an office in a typical office building in Montreal. The analysis is performed for five major fa ade orientations and two fa ade configurations. Using semi-transparent photovoltaic integrated into the office fa ade, electricity savings of up to 53.1% can be achieved compared to a typical office equipped with double glazing with Argon filling and a low emissivity coating, and lighting controlled based on occupancy and daylight levels.