Building Integrated Photovoltaics Design Optimisation through Customised Top Contact – An Advertising Opportunity?

Amo Awuku, Samuel; Bennadji, Amar; Muhammad Sukki, Firdaus; Prabhu, Radhakrishna; Sellami, Nazmi

Abstract

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) refers to the use of Solar Photovoltaics to replace conventional building materials such that they form part of the building envelope after construction. They are typically used to replace roofing sheets, windows, and cladding materials. BIPVs are aesthetically appealing, save land space and reduces building cost. PV top contact design is essential as it determines the overall outlook, therefore its optimisation is a significant area of research. Customised top patterns have great advertising potential. Companies can showcase their logos and adverts through top-contact cell designs. By combining advancements in top contact pattern design with creative marketing strategies, businesses can harness solar energy not only for sustainability but also as a medium for showcasing their brand identity, engaging customers, and contributing to a greener future. In areas where culture and traditions are highly valued, top-contact designs could be used to demonstrate the culture of the people. This study presents a novel and feasible preliminary approach to developing aesthetically appealing and functional patterns for the top contact of solar cells. It adopts the Voltera PCB printer to directly print a customised traditional symbol on a solar cell. It was identified that the printing was characterised by imperfect metal ink bonding and thicker line width. The research suggests optimising printing parameters, addressing metal ink bonding issues and minimizing line width to ensure a viable print outcome. This research shows that the customised top contact has a huge potential to develop in future. Custom top contact design when explored to its most efficient state can serve as a strong link between advertising and energy performance especially in commercial buildings. This innovative approach combines the power of renewable energy with the effectiveness of targeted marketing, opening new opportunities in the business world for brand promotion while contributing to a sustainable future.

Citation

Amo Awuku, S., Bennadji, A., Muhammad Sukki, F., Prabhu, R., & Sellami, N. (2023, November). Building Integrated Photovoltaics Design Optimisation through Customised Top Contact – An Advertising Opportunity?. Presented at 4th Virtual International Conference Raman Optronics Webinar Series (ROWS) 2023, Online

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Abstract
• Conference Name: 4th Virtual International Conference Raman Optronics Webinar Series (ROWS) 2023
• Start Date: Nov 7, 2023
• End Date: Nov 30, 2023
• Acceptance Date: Oct 31, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Nov 7, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Oct 15, 2024
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 51-52
• Book Title: Raman Optonics Webinar Series (ROWS) 2023 Abstract
• ISBN: 9789358109405
• Publisher URL: https://632b3f8aa3214.site123.me/versions/2/include/external_redirect.php?websiteID=6793168&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2Ffile%2Fd%2F128hbfQuOHpJ-jspr2qB0w83CEDLWzUOk%2Fview%3Fusp%3Dsharing
• External URL: https://632b3f8aa3214.site123.me/