PV glass curtain walls using color solar cells: the examination of structures and integration on buildings

The authors have been developing building-material-integrated PV modules used as glass curtain walls of building (PV glass curtain walls) using color solar cells with an emphasis on design. As for module structure, examinations were made of such module types as the super-straight and metal-lined. As for installation methods, they examined installation structures of modules using such systems as the aluminum sash, gasket and renovation. They produced a simple outdoor demonstration test facility to examine design and installation methods. Based on the above examination results, they produced a demonstration test facility by installing PV glass curtain walls using color solar cells on the outer walls of an actual building. The area provided for PV glass curtain wall installation except windows was approximately 60 m/sup 2/ (height: 10.8 m, corresponding to a three-story building).