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Optimizing daylight, sky view and energy production in semi-transparent photovoltaic facades of office buildings: A comparative study in four climate zones

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  • Ghasaban, Masoud
  • Yeganeh, Mansour
  • Irani, Mozhgan

Abstract

Photovoltaic cells in building facades convert solar radiation into electricity. Increased output is achieved by integrating both light-transmitting (windows) and non-transmitting (façade) surfaces. Optimizing window transparency improves visual comfort and reduces energy use. This study introduces a method to assess a south-facing office façade using opaque a-Si and translucent thin-film silicon photovoltaic cells. It analyzes their effects on electricity production, visual comfort, and energy consumption through simulations using Windows software, and the EnergyPlus and Radiance engines in Ladybug tools. The study consists of two main phases:

Suggested Citation

  • Ghasaban, Masoud & Yeganeh, Mansour & Irani, Mozhgan, 2025. "Optimizing daylight, sky view and energy production in semi-transparent photovoltaic facades of office buildings: A comparative study in four climate zones," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 377(PD).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:377:y:2025:i:pd:s0306261924020907
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.124707
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