A techno-economic framework to determine the potential of photovoltaic integrated blinds for buildings

A new solar electricity system is being developed here by Solaires Entreprises Inc. founded in Victoria, BC. The novel fabrication method and materials reduces the cost of solar cells by up to 50%. The new price point of the cells allows us to make solar energy profitable in Canada as well as incorporate solar cells where previously this was not possible. One new product that is being developed is PVblindsTM, a type of venetian blinds that will generate electricity while blocking out the direct sunlight. During this project, we will investigate the profitability of the PVblindsTM by determining the direct sunlight for several buildings in the greater Vancouver region and comparing the system cost to energy savings using simulations. Furthermore, our project will determine how these new cells perform under real conditions through experiments. And lastly, we will compare the performance of this new system to existing solar energy technologies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ralph Evins

Student:

Partner:

Solaires

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services; Utilities

University:

University of Victoria

Program: