Transparent Photovoltaic Windows

Abstract

The rapid development of photovoltaics has inspired new innovative ways to capture the sun’s energy. One such measure, that has proven benefits but has remained a niche and whose future potential is relatively unknown, is transparent photovoltaics (TPV). Current research is mainly focused on integrating windows with TPV since it could lead to a significant increase of available area for photovoltaics, especially in dense cities. This project provides an overview of TPV windows utilizing CdTe thin films in order to assess the future potential of TPV windows, identify barriers that hinders the technology from diffusing and determine potential environmental impacts associated with production and utilization. The project concludes that TPV windows exhibits great potential regarding energy output in climates with high solar radiation. Development is rapid with different materials and techniques looking like viable options in the future. However, the short life-span and the challenge to maintain efficiency in larger windows hinders the technology’s diffusion. There are also signs of potential environmental impacts for CdTe TPV in the form of toxicity windows but further research is required to draw weighted conclusions.