Researchers pledge to crack open BIPV with flexible encapsulant

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology, ISC and IVV are working to develop a flexible weather-resistant PV encapsulation film aimed at building-integrated PV (BIPV) applications.

The research bodies claim such a product would be a “key” enabling technology for BIPV and allow parts of buildings previously unusable for PV installations to be exploited for electricity generation.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Using a grant from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research the three bodies aim to develop a film for flexible solar cells that would give them protection against adverse weather conditions. The current lack of durability in flexible thin-film cells means they often have a poor service lifetime.

They claim that improving the lifetime of flexible thin-film PV cells would open up new possibilities for BIPV integration by increasing the number of elements in the building “envelope” that can be exploited.

The use of thin-film cells in BIPV applications is also attractive because of the possibilities for adjusting their colour and transparency.

The researchers maintain that by using building elements such as industrial flat roofs, facades or large window areas, up to 50% of a building’s energy demand could be met through BIPV systems.

The aim of the project is to develop a flexible film for thin-film solar cells that offers a service lifetime of 25 years.

Read Next

May 23, 2025
The California State Assembly’s Appropriations Committee has passed a net metering bill that could worsen residential solar owners’ rates when acquiring a property.
May 23, 2025
TotalEnergies has commissioned its largest solar portfolio in Europe, a collection of five assets in Spain with a combined capacity of 263MW.
May 23, 2025
The US House of Representatives has passed a bill slashing tax credit provisions for clean energy projects.
May 23, 2025
As European power markets consolidate and become more competitive, the increasing frequency of negative capture prices is challenging the viability of renewable energy projects.
Premium
May 23, 2025
The PPA is a 'cornerstone' of the European renewables space, according to speakers at Solar Media's Renewables Procurement & Revenue Summit.
Premium
May 23, 2025
Tongwei's CEO has told an annual shareholder meeting that next year will see a turning point in industry fortunes as obsolete capacity is phased out.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
June 17, 2025
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 8, 2025
Asia
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece