Evaluation of the Effects of Transparent PV Glazing Application on Energy Use and Thermal Comfort in an Office room Through Annual Energy Simulations

Abstract The ongoing energy transition and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions emphasize the importance of integrating renewable energy sources within the building sector. This study investigates the impact of transparent photovoltaic glazing as a part of BIPV (Building Integrated PhotoVoltaics) façade system on the energy performance and thermal comfort of an office space located in building in Wroclaw, Poland. A simulation-based approach was applied using DesignBuilder software, which bases on the EnergyPlus simulation engine. 18 façade configurations were developed, varying in glazing type (conventional triple glazing and transparent CdTe PV glazing), three façade orientations (east, south, west) and three window-to-wall ratios (30%, 50%, 70%). The analysis covered annual heating, cooling and lighting energy demand, electrical energy generation, and basic thermal comfort assessment. The results showed the potential of BIPV glazing as both an envelope and energy-generating component, supporting the implementation of nearly zero-energy building (nZEB) concept. The analyzed data offer valuable insights into the application of BIPV technologies under moderate European climate.