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.
Duration: June 2017 until May 2020
Funded by: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi)
Partner of the German subproject: Institute of Networked Energy Systems Forschungszentrum Jülich 3D-Micromac AG
Project Manager at the Institute of Networked Energy Systems: Dr. Nils Neugebohrn
Project Description: The project at the Institute of Networked Energy Systems is focused on building-integrated photovoltaic panels on demand. The project is being handled by an international consortium: in addition to DLR, the German side is 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, are working on the project in the Netherlands.
Well-known 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.
Various systems for the integration of photovoltaic modules are being developed in the joint project, including a roof system for new buildings as well as one for the renovation of existing buildings, a façade system and a system for integrating photovoltaic modules into insulating glass composites. Within the Institute of Networked Energy Systems, the project is focusing on integrating colours into the front contact of the solar cells. The production process provides for semi-finished thin-film modules to be mass-produced and imported. The modules are 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.
This project will optimise the production of building-integrated photovoltaic modules and expand their application possibilities by customising them for individual purposes, and therefore making them more widely accessible.