Development, Implementation, and Experimental Validation of a Novel Thermal–Optical–Electrical Model for Photovoltaic Glazing

Abstract

The use of semi-transparent photovoltaic (Solar PV) glass in buildings is an effective strategy for integrating renewable energy generation, solar control, and thermal comfort. However, conventional simulation models rely on global optical properties, neglecting spectral radiation and its propagation within the material. This limits the accurate assessment of thermal comfort, light distribution, and performance in complex systems such as multi-layer glazing. This study presents the development, implementation, and experimental validation of a numerical model that reproduces the thermal, electrical, and optical behaviour of semi-transparent Solar PV glass, explicitly incorporating radiative transfer. The model simultaneously solves the conduction, convection, and electrical generation equations together with the radiative transfer equation, solved via the finite volume method across two spectral bands. The refractive index and extinction coefficient, derived from manufacturer-provided optical data, were used as inputs. Experimental validation employed 10% semi-transparent a-Si glass, comparing surface temperatures and electrical power generation. The model achieved average relative errors of 3.8% for temperature and 3.3% for electrical power. Comparisons with representative literature models yielded errors between 6% and 21%. Additionally, the proposed model estimated a solar factor of 0.32, closely matching the manufacturer’s 0.29.