Brick modules for improved aesthetics in PV Introducing the Dutch Solar Design project

Brick modules for improved aesthetics in PV Introducing the Dutch Solar Design project

van Roosmalen, J.A.M.
Slooff, L.H.
Okel, L.A.G.
van den Donker, M.N.
Minderhoud, T.
Sepers, T.
Versluis, A.
Frumau, F.
Rietbergen, M.
Polinder, L.
Heller, E.M.B.
de Vries, T.
Gijzen, G.
Wang, Ningzh
Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland

2017

Solar energy will become increasingly important in the energy mix in the coming decades and will become much more visible in urban areas. Standard, rectangular size solar panels do not allow full roof or façade coverage. Together with their blueish appearance, they are visible, but not in an attractive way. Dutch Solar Design (DSD-PV) façade elements stimulate the acceptance of PV in the public space. PV as a product matures and from a one size fits all approach becomes more varied, differentiating and attainable for large groups of users. In this work the basis is formed by the back contact foil technology, offering size and shape flexibility without the need to change the complete module manufacturing line. Findings are that by adding designed graphics to the inside of DSD-PV elements with a coverage of up to 30% their appearance can be altered completely, without a large sacrifice in efficiency. The efficiency reduction can be kept to 20%. Brick modules, referring to bricks as an import aspect of the Dutch urban landscape, as well as artistic modules and full size façade elements (900 x 1200 mm2) have been realized, a small part of the potential portfolio.

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:21f33b7b-16aa-4969-b797-b34c178d84eb

822176

ECN-M--17-019

ECN, Petten

Advanced Building Skins Conference, Bern, Switzerland, 2-3 oktober 2017.

conference paper