Effect of semi-transparent a-Si PV glazing within double-skin façades on visual and energy performances under the UK climate condition

Various studies have assessed the energy performance alterations affected by the novel technology of Building Integrated Photovoltaic in Double-Skin Facades (BIPV-DSF), while lighting performance tied to the BIPV-DSF has not received much attention. This paper provides numerical modelling to assess the effect of BIPV-DSF on both indoor visual condition and energy consumption for an office module under a typical climate in the United Kingdom. The proposed study was focused on the comparisons between a reference case (a DSF office module with both layers using clear double glazing) and a design case of the same office module with BIPV-DSF using semi-transparent Amorphous Silicon PV glazing. Results show a significant drop in maximum daylight illuminance of 73% by configuring the BIPV-DSF with reference to the regular DSF. It was also reported the resultant average and minimum daylight factors (0.65% and 0.00%) were not able to meet indoor visual comfort requirements for office environments. Furthermore, it was found that the use of BIPV-DSF resulted in a net increase of 8% in building energy consumption over the reference DSF. Therefore, it is concluded that in the present context the BIPV-DSF is not viable for a commercial installation under the UK’s climate conditions.