Innovations in building-integrated photovoltaics: skylights, façades and canopies

TECNALIA develops and validates various prototypes of solutions for integrating photovoltaics into buildings and infrastructure

TECNALIA has worked closely with companies in the construction and materials sectors to promote new solutions for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).

Several real-world prototypes have been developed and validated as part of the Multi-PV initiative, a project led by Lanik, making it possible to assess the performance of newly developed photovoltaic modules and technologies.

Photovoltaic skylight with triangular glass panes

One of the most notable milestones is the construction of a prototype photovoltaic (PV) skylight, which incorporates triangular glass panels with PV capabilities. These elements integrate a number of colour and manufacturing techniques that were studied during the project, such as screen printing on glass and the use of photovoltaic films.

This prototype was made possible as a result of the collaboration between Lanik, K2Glass, Izpitek and TECNALIA, and represents a first step towards designing and implementing larger-scale, complex photovoltaic skylights, paving the way for these companies.

Ventilated photovoltaic façade on the Kubik building

At the same time, in collaboration with Krean and Umetal, a prototype of a ventilated photovoltaic façade has been installed on TECNALIA’s Kubik experimental building.

• This solution integrates a structural ventilated façade system combined with PV glass panels with coloured interlayers, which are used to conceal the cells and provide an attractive finish.
• This prototype is currently being monitored to measure the system’s photovoltaic output and its temperature at various points, while correlating these readings with solar irradiance and the outside temperature.
• Thanks to this test bed, the companies involved have gained practical experience in developing coloured photovoltaic glass for use on façades.

Quick-installation façade system

Another prototype has been installed on an Interbiak building, where a unique, quick-installation photovoltaic façade system, developed by Uxama and Izpitek in collaboration with TECNALIA, has been fitted.

• The system is designed for ease of installation, as it would arrive on site pre-assembled.
• Its design also improves the photovoltaic output compared to a flat façade.

Photovoltaic panels on a Bilbao tram shelter

Similarly, six photovoltaic panels developed as part of the project have been installed on the Uribitarte tram shelter in Bilbao.

• The panels have been installed on the existing glass roof of the tram shelter, where the electricity produced is used to power the tram network.
• At the same time, these panels are also expected to improve the thermal comfort of users on the hottest days, as they reduce the amount of radiation passing through the upper panes of glass.
• Trameinsa, Izpitek and TECNALIA have been involved in developing these solutions, together with ETS- Euskal Trenbide Sarea, which which helped facilitate the installation.

All of these prototypes represent a significant step towards enabling companies in the Basque industrial sector to provide building-integrated photovoltaic solutions, thereby turning buildings into energy producers.