Predicting Light Scatter in Structural Colored BIPV Modules and Textured Glass Using Radiance

This work investigates the use of ray-tracing simulations to support the design of colored BuildingIntegrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) modules. Aesthetic integration of BIPV often requires color. To minimize angular dependency in structural colored BIPV modules, texture can be applied. Predicting the optical appearance of such modules is challenging, typically requiring iterative fabrication and measurement. To overcome this, the ray-tracing software Radiance is evaluated for simulating light scattering in textured BIPV components and modules. Simulations were compared with Bidirectional Reflection Distribution Function (BRDF) measurements of textured front glasses and foils, both before and after EVA encapsulation. Simulations showed promising results for individual components but revealed limitations in reproducing multilayer behavior. Encapsulation was found to strongly influence light scattering, highlighting the need for full-stack analysis. Radiance demonstrates potential as a design tool in colored BIPV, though further analysis is needed to assess the possibility for accurate module-level predictions.