Visual and energy optimization of semi-transparent perovskite photovoltaic glass curtain walls in buildings

Combining photovoltaic (PV) materials with building envelopes can create structures with energy-saving and power-generating potential. However, previous research on PV windows or curtain walls has typically focused only on energy or visual performance. When large-area PV curtain walls are employed, interior lighting comfort and energy efficiency are critical, and therefore, multidimensional metrics are needed to assess their impact on the building. This study offers a solution by parametrically modeling a perovskite tandem photovoltaic cell as curtain wall glass. The calculated thermal and light transmission properties are used as inputs. The study compares energy consumption and visual comfort differences between common and photovoltaic curtain walls through energy and daylighting simulations. The results show that compared to ordinary glass: 1) electricity generation and savings reduced energy consumption by a total of 22.84 %, 2) PV curtain wall increases the Useful Daylight Illumination (UDI) by about 10 % and reduces the Daylight Glare Probability (DGP) 6.2 %–34.4 %, and 3) the manufacturing cost of 477 CNY/m² is lower than that of conventional photovoltaic windows or materials. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) generated by the hybrid installation of low-e glass and PV curtain wall was 0.894/kWh when the surrounding buildings were shaded, which was better than the 1.015/kWh for the full-layer PV glass coverage. This confirms the cost-effectiveness and shorter payback period for future high-rise PV installations. In high-rise buildings with relatively large window walls, PV glazing shows significant energy and economic benefits.