Key Words

In this experimental study, the performance of ventilated double-pane glazing integrated with semi-transparent solar cells under the subtropical climate of Hong Kong has been investigated. The effects of a photovoltaic (PV) ventilated glazing system on the built environment – including heat and light transmission, thermal and visual comfort, and electricity generation – were analyzed and discussed. While the energy saving potential of PV glazing on air-conditioning demands was found promising, the same on daylight utilization was much inferior to the absorptive glazing applica-tions. The purpose of the study was to gain experience on better use of the semi-transparent PV ventilated glazing technology, and on the energy/cost saving potential of some innovative arrangements. NOMENCLATURE A surface area, (m2) G solar irradiance, (W/m2) Gr Grashof number h convective heat transfer coefficient, (kJ kg