Optics for smart building-integrated photovoltaic systems

S. Maestro, D. Chemisana and Chr. Lamnatou

Renewable Energy, 2025, vol. 246, issue C

Abstract: The tendency to integrate photovoltaic or photovoltaic/thermal modules into building envelope is changing due to the utilisation of optical elements for sunlight management. However, the viability of these systems mainly depends on two factors: 1) to offer cost-efficient solutions comparing to traditional building-integrated photovoltaic or photovoltaic/thermal systems, 2) to create designs, without being extremely difficult to manufacture and operate them on a large scale. In light of the issues mentioned above, this article presents a comparative analysis of the most relevant and recent smart building-integrated designs, including different optics. The designs have been categorised by the type of technology used to manage sunlight, placing emphasis on building-integrated applications. The results show that, in the case of reflective systems, the most usual designs are based on compound-parabolic-concentrators (usually: static; low concentration ratios). On the other hand, there are numerous configurations using total internal reflection to guide rays to photovoltaic cells. There are also hybrid systems (reflective/refractive) and different types of holograms, luminescent systems, etc., offering smart glazing elements and building-integrated solar panels. Key factors such as effective cooling devices and system functionality are discussed. Gaps in the literature on optical elements for building-integrated photovoltaics are identified. Future research directions are proposed.

Keywords: Building integration; Concentrating photovoltaics; Sunlight management; Holographic optical elements; Luminescent optical elements (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:246:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125005129

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122850

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