A review of the effect of semi-transparent building-integrated photovoltaics on the visual comfort indoors

In order to reduce energy demand, building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are getting more publicity as a possible solution that could meet the energy needs for buildings. This paper aims to comparatively review the visual comfort indices and the multi-aspect impact of using semi-transparent BIPV on visual comfort indoors. It was found that there was no direct correlation that could be simply detected between the energetic and the visual performance of the photovoltaic semi-transparent windows, moreover, special attention should be paid to the local climate and GHI in the optimization process. Semi-transparent BIPV glazing systems may reduce the level of illuminance indoors, especially in locations with low GHI and with a specified distance from the facade. Meanwhile, these systems could significantly reduce the glare indoors in all locations during the periods when the illuminance is oversupplied and improve daylight quality.