THE USE OF NEW PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGIES IN THE BUILDING INTEGRATED SYSTEMS

Abstract

Today, the renewable energy systems have a significant impact on the environment, so the development of renewable energy resources and the use of renewable energy are essential. One of the most promising renewable energy technologies is photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion. PV energy conversion represents the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity. The use of PV in buildings is under investigation since more than two decades, being recognized as a main factor for the exploitation of PV and the reduction of the CO2 emissions of buildings. Commercial PV materials commonly used for PV systems include solar cells of silicon (Si), cadmium-telluride (CdTe), coper-indium-diselenide (CIS) and solar cells made of other thin layer materials. Nowadays focus of many researchers is on investigation of new thin film photovoltaic technologies, actual market situation and future challenges arising with growing PV demand. Also the advantages of the thin film photovoltaic technology for building integration will be pointed out in this paper.