In this competition, the solar residences of the eight university teams showcased innovative applications of cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) power generation building materials. Various architectural photovoltaic integrated applications, such as solar glass sunrooms, solar curtain walls, solar glass railings, solar skylights, solar sunshades, solar roof tiles and Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) integrated roofs, were observed in these solar homes. Each team demonstrated profound wisdom by designing solar residences that are both functional and comfortable, presenting a fresh perspective on solar energy technology.

Solar roof tiles are made of cadmium telluride thin film or monocrystalline silicon that either overlay or replace the existing shingles on a roof. They absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. By relying on this method of energy as opposed to electricity, for example, homeowners will save money on monthly bills and eventually recoup their initial investments.

Turkey is “lagging” in its solar power capacity but could generate 120 GW – 45% of the country’s total electricity needs – through better solar rooftop utilization, said UK environmental think tank Ember in a recently published report. The report, penned by Ufuk Alparslan and Azem Yildirim, shows that $3.6 billion worth of subsidies, which paid for fossil fuel imports from September 2022 to August 2023, could be eliminated through better rooftop PV policies. The report said that “policies that promote the widespread use of rooftop solar power plants” in Turkey, particularly in homes, could “reduce the real cost of electricity in the country by reducing its dependence on imported fossil-fuel resources.”

Solar facades are a great solution, let alone energy generation, it provides plenty advantages: facade insulation, façade and balcony glazing, additional thermal properties, noise reduction (8-12 decibels of reduced traffic noise can be expected from balcony glazing). Solar facade modules can also be integrated to existing building facades, modernizing them and turning them energy efficient.

Due to the increase in electricity demand in Europe, solar power generation has certain advantages in various types of production of electrical energy. In response to Europe's old house renovation policy and traditional photovoltaic solar panels, we launched a new building material - cadmium telluride thin film solar photovoltaic glass. In the face of declining wind power generation and high electricity prices, we can add value to the European electricity market and reduce additional high electricity costs.

Why do buildings matter for clean energy transitions?

The previous article introduced what is BIPV is and its application scenarios, but why do we strongly recommend BIPV to everyone? The following will bring you the historical background and development process of BIPV, so that you can have a deeper understanding of BIPV and apply it to the construction of our cities and homes.

BIPV in particular has certain pros:

Cost effectiveness
Integrated photovoltaics serve the function of the traditional building material they are replacing (eg cladding or roof tiles), meaning you save on buying those materials but do pay extra for the PV components and electrical installation. The system does of course generate free electricity, which gives its return on investment. Some types of BIPV, such as solar glass, also bring additional savings through their insulating properties.

Design
By weaving PV into the design of the building, you can add architectural interest through striking solar glass or shading structures. You also have a lot more flexibility in the design, since the panels can be manufactured and installed to be as discreet as possible, or built as their own design feature that highlights a commitment to sustainability.

In recent years, With the rapid development of sustainable energy and the increasing awareness of environmental protection, Cadmium telluride photovoltaic glass has received widespread attention as an innovative technology.