WVTR in Photo Voltaic solar panel

Integrated organic solar cell

Integrated solar panels based on organic solar cell technology will be worth some $430 million by 2013, according to the global analyst firm, the building-integrated PV market - where solar panels are integrated into windows, roof tiles and panels, facades, awnings and other construction components -is a niche one with great potential. According to the forecasts, by 2013 the global building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) market will have an installed capacity of 10.5GWp

The market is supplied mainly by inorganic thin-film and other silicon technologies. But several cooperative projects, partnerships and investments between OPV developers and suppliers to the construction industry that are taking place now should ensure that organic solar cell technologies, based on organic, polymer and dye solar cell chemistries, can exploit the potential of the BIPV over the coming years.

The emerging OPV industry will face tough challenges in competing with thin-film and other silicon technologies in BIPV, especially as these technologies will achieve higher efficiency rates. OPV technologies have several specific attributes which should appeal to both architects and construction firms. These include the potential to make OPVs in other colours apart from red and brown, such as green and blue, opening up applications in windows for large modern office buildings. Because the cells can be deposited and coated on flexible substrates such as steel and plastic films they can be light and flexible enough to be used in unique, challenging forms and structures.

"Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) Film testing for rainwater permeation is being done on Film over - Photo Voltaic Solar Panels, Sealing films with 5mm glue around edge. The barrier opt to be between 0.007 to 0.028 g/m2/day"