CRYSTALLINE SILICON PHOTOVOLTAIC GLASS
Greater nominal power capacity and 100% customizable
Crystalline silicon or (c-Si) is the crystalline forms of silicon, either polycrystalline silicon (poly c-Si), or monocrystalline silicon (mono c-Si). It contains photovoltaic cells spaced apart to allow light transmission, making it the most commonly used material in photovoltaic technology due to its superior efficiency compared to amorphous silicon glass. The maximum nominal power of crystalline silicon depends on the type of cell used (mono c-Si or poly c-Si) and the number of cells per square meter.
Crystalline silicon photovoltaic glass is recognized for its superior energy output, yielding more energy than amorphous silicon glass under direct sunlight. This technology is ideal for buildings with optimal solar orientation, maximizing energy efficiency. Crystalline silicon glass is well-suited for various applications, including canopies, skylights, spandrel glass, solid walls, and guardrails, while retaining the mechanical properties of conventional architectural glass.
One of the main advantages of crystalline silicon glass is its easy customization, allowing for unique shapes, including trapezoidal designs. With a higher nominal power capacity per square foot and an efficiency of up to 16%, these installations require less area to achieve the desired kilowatt-peak output compared to amorphous silicon. Onyx Solar also offers large photovoltaic glass panes, customizable in size and light transmittance, ensuring they meet diverse architectural styles and energy requirements worldwide.
Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic glass is the best choice for projects where maximum power output per square meter is required. The power capacity of this type of glass is determined by the number of solar cells per unit, usually offering a nominal power between 100 to 180 Wp/m². This varies according to the solar cell density required for the project. Finding the right balance between natural light transmission and nominal power is key to achieving energy efficiency goals. Crystalline Silicon glass is made up of 158.75 x 158.75mm c-Si solar cells. Although these cells are inherently opaque, they can be spaced apart to varying degrees, allowing for adjustable visible light transmission tailored to specific design needs. The photovoltaic glass can thus offer a transparency range from almost 0% VLT as much as 75% if requested.
Depending on the design intent, solar cells can be fully exposed so that they can be seen; otherwise, they can be hidden partially, or almost totally, creating a panel that displays a uniform color and looks like a conventional façade material. These design variables play a role in the performance of the product, since adding a frontal color will diminish the visible light transmission of the frontal glass.
Images of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Glass
Our technical department can advise you on the selection of the configuration according to the photovoltaic glass size. Please inquire about the availability of thickness and size configurations, as well as the incorporation of custom double glazing according to the project's requirements.