Study on the Optical Coupling Effect of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Modules Applied with a Shingled Technology

Abstract

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) comprise the integration of a solar power generation system into the exterior design and architectural elements of a building to produce electricity, which allows the building itself to generate electricity. By integrating shingled technology into the photovoltaic module with optimization of the optical effect, the output performance of the module can be increased while securing an aesthetic appeal as an architectural exterior material for the building simultaneously. In this research, we studied enhancing the performance of BIPV modules through an analysis of the optical coupling effect for shingled technology using PSpice simulation. Compared to the efficiency of 0.2 cm string spacing, the optical coupling effect was increased by 33.33%, 46.98%, 67.01%, and 193.49% according to the string spacing of 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm and 4 cm, respectively. To analyze this increase, we focused on studying the increase in current due to the reflection and re-absorption of light in the back layer of the solar cell as the cause of this output enhancement. Additionally, the coupling effect in accord with different layers showed that using white EVA to reflect the incident light from the top layer resulted in 117.14% and 521.90% enhancements in maximum output power (Pm) loss % compared to the conventional and black backsheet applied PV modules, respectively.