Nexus between Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and Cultural Heritage: Optical Characterisation of Screen-Printed Traditional Symbols on Solar Cells

Abstract

This preliminary study adopts a screen-printing technique to transfer traditional Adinkra symbols onto monocrystalline solar cells. The study reveals that custom patterns for the top contact design of solar cells are achievable through direct screen-printing. The printed cells were cured at 200 °C for 30 min and optically assessed through the Leica wild M3Z Microscopic scanner under 50 μm, 100 μm and 200 μm. It was noticed that the outlines of the printed symbols were not as smooth and bonded as compared to the original cells which could potentially have a negative impact on the overall efficiency of the cell.

Keywords

• building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)
• aesthetics
• Adinkra symbols
• optimisation
• screen-printing
• solar cell performance