Brief History of Solar Cells• Dates back to French physicist Antoine-Cesar Becquerel

of 1839 .– He observed that shining light on an electrode submerged in a

conductive solution would create an electric current.

• By 1941 Russell Ohl had invented the first silicon solar cell.

• The energy crisis of the 1970s sparked an interest but the prices were too high.

• Now they are becoming more cost effective.

Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIP)• Integrate solar cells with

buildings.

• They are in the form of photovoltaic panels.

• They are used in walls, roofs, and in “Power Glass”.

• Sunlight strikes the panels and create electricity that is used in conjunction with the electricity supplied by local energy companies.

BIPV Process• Place a very thin, semi-transparent coating and film over a large area of

glass or transparent plastic.

• Use a reel-to-reel manufacturing technique to create the film.

• This coating will replace conventional glazing material and at the same time create electricity.

Second GenerationFirst Generation

Applications

• Used on windows, atrium glazing, roof glazing, or curtain walling

• BIP are especially useful in today’s commercial and industrial facilities.