Spectrally-Selective Energy-Harvesting Solar Windows for Public Infrastructure Applications

Abstract

A study of photovoltaic solar window technologies is reported and it focuses on their structural features, functional materials, system development, and suitability for use in practical field applications including public infrastructures and agricultural installations. Energy generation performance characteristics are summarized and compared to theory-limit predictions. Working examples of pilot-trial solar window-based installations are described. We also report on achieving electric power outputs of about 25 Wp/m2 from clear and transparent large-area glass-based solar windows.

Keywords

• solar windows
• advanced glazing
• low-emissivity spectrally-selective coatings
• photovoltaics