Producing a semi-transparent solar panel, where the solar cells are sandwiched between two or more layers of glass, creates a PV panel with many applications.
Do you have or want a building with a glass roof, large skylights or other large windows, leaving little space for traditional solar panels? Do you want lots of glass, but not the heat load and not the direct sunlight on a south-facing window? A semi-transparent solar panel looks like a window, lets light in, keeps some of the heat and sunlight out and generates electricity.
Not only as a window or skylight, but also as a façade, curtain wall, conservatory, canopy or carport. As solar cells can be incorporated in a glass-on-glass solar panel and then executed as insulating glass, glass and solar panels can be combined in new buildings and renovations. Possibly in triple glazing, a semi-transparent solar panel has the advantages of a window and PV panel.
A semi-transparent PV panel generates electricity without installing separate solar panels on, at or next to the building. Seamlessly concealed in the building or structure, no compromises need be made to architecture and aesthetics. In addition, a standard window is increasingly being coated to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (ir) radiation, in order to combat the warming of a building by sunlight. A semi-transparent solar panel combines all these properties in one product.
The cost of semi-transparent solar panels is not directly comparable to that of a standard solar panel. A glass-on-glass solar panel with translucent solar cells is about 50% more expensive than a standard PV panel. An investment in semi-transparent solar panels incorporated in triple-insulated glass is obviously even higher, although for accurate comparison, this should be compared with separate PV panels and separate triple-insulated glass. Often a semi-transparent solar panel then proves to be a good investment.
The more light transmitted through a PV panel, the less light is captured by the solar cells. This light transmission can be selected and depends on the number of solar cells chosen. The yield can therefore be determined according to the desired balance between transparency and power generation. Whereas a standard solar panel is placed towards the sun, a semi-transparent panel mounted as a window will not always have the perfect position and orientation. The yield and efficiency of a semi-transparent PV panel depends on its design.
Would you like to know more about our Powerglaz glass-on-glass solar panels or our Q Glass fully transparent windows with solar cells? Or would you like an instant quotation? Then get in touch with us.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
A semi-transparent solar panel consists of solar cells sandwiched between two or more sheets of glass. The light transmission and yield are variable, depending on the number of solar cells.
A semi-transparent PV panel is often a glass-on-glass panel, which has a higher quality, lifespan and price than a standard glass-on-foil panel. A basic glass-on-glass panel is 50% more expensive than a standard panel, which rises if, for example, triple insulation glass with solar protection film and solar cells is chos
