Research project BIPVpod
Building-integrated photovoltaic modules as required – sub-project: Retroactive colouring for PV thin-film modules for building integration
The BIPVpod research project aims to combine photovoltaic technology, optimised energy generation and design on a sustainable basis using individual building-integrated photovoltaic modules.The project at the Institute of Networked Energy Systems is focused on building-integrated photovoltaic panels on demand. Photovoltaic systems, most of which have so far been used on roofs and large horizontal open spaces, are to be supplemented using modules that can also be installed on building façades for optimum energy generation. These can have different shapes and colours so that they can be adapted according to requirements and surroundings.
Research project BIPVpod | |
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Duration | June 2017 until May 2020 |
Funded by | Federal MInistry for Economic Affairs and Energy |
Project participants | - Institute of Networked Energy Systems
- Jülich Research Centre
- 3D-Micromac AG
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Various systems for the integration of photovoltaic modules were being developed in the joint project, including a roof system for new buildings as well as one for the renovation of existing buildings, a facade system and a system for integrating photovoltaic modules into insulating glass composites. Within the Institute of Networked Energy Systems, the project focused on integrating colours into the front contact of the solar cells. The production process provided for semi-finished thin-film modules to be mass-produced and imported. The modules were then completed by local manufacturers according to customer requirements related to their shape and colour. The customer-specific adaptation of even small quantities of modules should only give rise to minor additional costs as a result of this production optimisation.
The project was handled by an international consortium: in addition to DLR, the German side was also represented by the Jülich Research Centre (FZJ), the laser micromachining specialist 3D-Micromac AG Chemnitz, the solar cell manufacturers Avancis and NICE Solar Energy, as well as the architectural office Hagemann. The Dutch Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and the companies Wallvision and Rebor, which offer BIPV products, were working on the project in the Netherlands.
This project aimed at optimising the production of building-integrated photovoltaic modules and expanding their application possibilities by customising them for individual purposes, and therefore making them more widely accessible.
