Thermal and visual comfort are important considerations of the buildings, thus artificial illumination and forced ventilation being opted to achieve them. This elevates carbon emissions and consumption of energy. The present study explores various transparent solar photovoltaics (T PV) with 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% transparency levels by evaluating their efficiency and comparing with the conventional clear glass of 8 mm (CG-8) thickness and double pane glass (DPG) in a building enclosure. Solar heat gain calculations and experimental studies have shown that T PV glazing extensively improves energy efficiency and promotes the Net Zero building goals. CG-8 (964. 32 kWh/m2) and DPG (912. 07 kWh/m2) annually establish higher solar heat gains, but T PV glass significantly reduces heat transfer, with a fully opaque T PV-0 variation attains a reduction of up to 78% along with power generation of up to 0. 118 kW/m2. The equilibrium of reduction in heat gain and maintaining adequate daylight is achieved by the intermediate T PV types by providing the illumination between 176 lux (T PV-0) and 716 lux (T PV-60), unlike CG-8 (1620 lux). Additionally, T PV generates onsite power (0. 044–0. 118 kW/m2), and the net annual savings using T PV-0 is 33. 19 /m2 which includes reduced HVAC and power generation. T PV provides a short payback period between 4. 5 and 8. 3 years for all transparencies, surpassing conventional clear glass in economic efficiency. An annual reduction in CO2 is achieved up to 0. 22 tons for T PV-0, controlling the effect on the environment. T PV glazing represents a sophisticated facade solution, providing efficient temperature regulation, optimal daylight performance, rapid returns on investment, and robust compliance with sustainable Net Zero building regulations.
K. et al. (Wed,) studied this question.