Page 88 - Alternative Energy Systems in Building Design

64 SOLAR POWER SYSTEM PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGIES

Custom-fabricated BIPV solar cells In essence, BIPV is a term used commonly
to designate the custom-made assembly of solar panels specifically designed and
manufactured to be used as an integral part of building architecture. These panels
are used as architectural ornaments, such as window and building entrance canopies,
solariums, curtain walls, and architectural monuments.
The basic fabrication of BIPV cells consists of the lamination of mono- or poly-
crystalline silicon cells, which are sandwiched between two specially manufactured
tempered-glass plates. This is referred to as a glass-on-glass assembly. A number of
cells arranged in different patterns and spacings are sealed and packaged in the same
process, as described previously. Prefabricated cell wafers used by BIPV fabricators
generally are purchased from major solar power manufacturers.
The fabrication of BIPV cells involves complete automation, whereby the entire assem-
bly is performed by special robotic equipment that can be programmed to implement solar
cell configuration layout, lamination, sealing, and framing in a clean-room environmental
without any manual labor intervention. Some solar power fabricators, such as Sharp Solar
of Japan, offer a limited variety of colored and transparent PV cells for aesthetic purposes.
Cell colors, which are produced in deep marine, sky blue, gold, and silverfish brown,
usually are somewhat less efficient and are manufactured on an on-demand basis.
Because of their lower performance efficiency, BIPV panels are used primarily in
applications where there is the presence of daylight, such as in solariums, rooms with
skylights, or sunrooms. In these cases, the panels become an essential architectural
requirement. Figures 3.27 through 3.29 show custom BIPV modules manufactured by
Atlantis Energy Systems.

Figure 3.27 BIPV modules in a
window glazing. Photo courtesy of Atlantis
Energy Systems.