Solar cells have existed since 1839 but were not practical until the 1970s energy crisis sparked interest. Now solar cells are used in building integrated photovoltaics (BIP) by placing solar panels on walls, roofs, and in transparent "power glass." BIP uses a thin film coating applied via a reel-to-reel process to turn conventional glazing into electricity-generating material. BIP has applications in windows, atriums, roofs, and curtain walls, making it especially useful for commercial and industrial facilities.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. Applications
• Used on windows,
atrium glazing, roof
glazing, or curtain
walling
• BIP are especially
useful in today’s
commercial and
industrial facilities.

6. Applications
• Used on windows,
atrium glazing, roof
glazing, or curtain
walling
• BIP are especially
useful in today’s
commercial and
industrial facilities.