Thermoelectric analysis of different vacuum-based photovoltaic semitransparent skylights

•Three designs of photovoltaic-based skylights are proposed to save energy in buildings.•The integration of vacuum glazing with photovoltaic skylights is evaluated.•Using a vacuum layer at the backside of the PV layer is favorable for thermal insulation.•Using a vacuum-based PV skylight reduces the total U-value from 6.3 to 1.9 W/m2.K at ASTM.•Using the vacuum layer with the PV-skylight slightly decreases the power generation of the PV.