A review on developments and researches of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) windows and shading blinds

BIPV windows integrate solar cells within window glazing and do not only retain the functionality of conventional windows but also provide other benefits such as electricity generation and thermal insulation. BIPV windows are categorized into single glazed BIPV windows, double glazed BIPV windows with/without ventilation and vacuum BIPV windows depending on the configurations of the glazing. The electricity generation, thermal performance and optics of BIPV windows are reviewed in this paper. The results of this study showed that the total heat gain through BIPV windows are less than conventional windows in summer and hence the electricity used by air-conditioning in summer would be reduced. In addition to the electricity produced by BIPV windows, there are great potentials to reduce building energy consumption significantly in hot climate areas. The development and performance of BIPV blinds which integrate solar cells with blinds are also reviewed. BIPV blinds are grouped into outdoor PV blinds, indoor PV blinds and middle PV blinds according to the position of blinds relative to the windows. Future research directions are also suggested for this research domain.