Fabrication of Color Glass with High Light Transmittance by Pearlescent Pigments and Optical Adhesive

In this study, we propose a solution process for realizing colored glass for building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems by spin coating a color solution composed of pearlescent pigments mixed in a Norland Optical Adhesive (NOA) matrix. Color solutions are made from mixing pearlescent pigments in NOA63. Compared to a physical vapor deposition process, color coatings are achieved by spin coating in a relatively simple and inexpensive process at room temperature. The optical properties can be easily controlled by adjusting the spin coating speed and the concentration of the pearlescent pigments. The produced colored glass achieved a high transmittance of 85% or more in the visible wavelength range, except for the wavelength spectrum exhibiting the maximum reflectance. In addition, we propose a one-step lamination process of colored glass on a solar cell by leveraging on the adhesive property of the NOA matrix. This eliminates the cost and process of additional ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) layer or other materials used in the conventional lamination process. The colored glass produced through this study has stability that does not change its properties over time. Therefore, it is expected to be applied to the BIPV solar module market where aesthetics and energy efficiency are required.