Solar energy harvesting clear glass for building-integrated photovoltaics

Abstract

We propose and demonstrate the concept of an energy-harvesting clear glass panel based on the use of all-inorganic luminophores embedded into a lamination layer in conjunction with low-emissivity coatings and CIS solar cells. Most of the visible solar radiation is transmitted through the laminated glass panel while UV radiation is down-converted and guided together with a part of infrared radiation to the edges for conversion to electricity by solar cells integrated at the edges of the glass panel. Experimental results demonstrate that a 10cmx10cm energy-harvesting clear glass can pass about 70% of the visible solar radiation, block 90% of UV and IR solar energy blocking and generate almost 30Wp/m2.