Integrated methodology for assessing the optical, thermal, and electrical performance of photovoltaic windowpanes in building integration

The article is a one-source article that integrates ray-tracing simulation, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, and real-life prototypes to understand the visual, thermal, and electrical properties of photovoltaic (PV) windowpanes as a prototyping solution for the building. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the interdependence among light transmission, thermal insulation, and electricity production, and of the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), with high-level modeling coupled with experimental validation. It is a winning strategy that not only enhances the performance of PV windowpanes but also refutes assumptions by accounting for the changing nature of buildings, such as the sun's angle and other environmental conditions. The results indicate that the (CCPC-PV) Crossed Compound Parabolic Concentrator Photovoltaic windowpanes have great potential to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in buildings, and to provide building design and implementation solutions for energy-saving buildings. Although it is not groundbreaking research in architecture, the study contributes to architectural sustainability by creating a pathway to the mass adoption of PV windowpanes in energy-saving urban settings. • This study presents an integrated approach to evaluate the optical, thermal, and electrical performance of building-integrated PV windows. • It combines ray-tracing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models with validation using real-world prototypes. • It creates a comprehensive assessment framework that considers material characteristics. • The method enhances PV window design for diverse architectural applications by revealing key light-transmission interactions.