Experimental comparative study on the electrical performance of semi-transparent CdTe thin-film and conventional monocrystalline photovoltaic modules

The investigation of innovative energy solutions that combine high energy efficiency with aesthetic, economic, and site-adaptability requirements represents a key direction in the development of photovoltaic technologies. Although conventional photovoltaic modules provide high energy performance, their application in dense urban environments is largely limited to rooftop installations, particularly in the case of buildings with glazed façades. In this context, semi-transparent photovoltaic modules emerge as a promising alternative, offering significant systemic benefits for Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) applications. This study presents a comparative experimental analysis of fundamental electrical parameters used to evaluate the performance of photovoltaic cells, providing relevant insights into the processes governing the conversion of solar radiation into electrical energy. The experimental results indicate that conventional photovoltaic modules achieve higher electrical power values in both analyzed configurations, whereas semi-transparent modules exhibit enhanced stability of the electrical response throughout the diurnal cycle, especially under conditions of reduced or variable irradiance. This behavior suggests improved adaptability to natural lighting variations and a more robust energy performance in urban environments characterized by non-uniform exposure and diffuse radiation. Consequently, the assessment of semi-transparent photovoltaic modules should adopt an integrated approach that considers not only energy and economic criteria but also the functional and architectural benefits specific to BIPV applications.