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Photovoltaic (PV) window or glazing modules are an exciting and extremely visible method for integrating PV into both new and existing buildings. PV glazing modules add architectural accents to a building while generating clean power and expressing the building owner's environmental ethics. PV glazing modules can be integrated into a building as non-view windows, skylights, greenhouse windows, curtain walls, facades, etc.

A PV window typically uses two panes of clear or tinted glazing with the PV modules adhered to the front of the window's inside pane (i.e., the third surface). PV glazing is semitransparent—thus it is not used where view glass is required. However, skylight and greenhouse glazing is commonly heavily tinted or patterned to minimize heat gain and control glare. In these instances semitransparent PV glazing is an option. The PV glazing can be integrated into daylighting strategies or used as a curtain wall.

In Wisconsin, a vertical southward facing PV module will generate about 30% less power than a fixed panel at the optimal orientation (i.e., about 40 degrees above the horizontal and facing due south).

PV glass is available in the U.S. either using thin film (manufactured by BP Solar) or crystalline silica PV cells (manufactured by BP Solar and Atlantis Energy). European companies are also producing PV glass but their products are not readily available in the U.S.

Examples of PV Glazing Systems

Photograph 1. PV windows modules in a commercial building

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Photo 1 Atlantis Energy

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