Study of Coloured Facade-integrated PVs with physical scale modelling, in cooperation with IFE that is in the process of developing new material samples

Abstract

Implementing renewable energy sources and promoting clean energy has now been in practice to increase sustainability and to decrease greenhouse gas emission. Though using photovoltaics has been one of the most convenient ways to employ clean energy, its integration is quite limited to roof surfaces. For arctic countries like Norway, facade integrated photovoltaics have high probability due to lower sun elevation, eventually has the potential to change the urbanscape. The aim of this research is to study the light and colour performance of such sample materials through physical modelling in the city of Trondheim. the method adopted for the purpose includes making of scale models with samples provided by IFE and a questionnaire survey; leading to an analysis of perception of speculairty of the materials. The result obtained from surveying 70 participants show the preference towards the sandblasted texture over the smooth surface and inclination towards the green scheme compared with the yellow one. The study also confirms that the discomfort due to reflection is higher on a sunny clear sky than a cloudy overcast sky condition.