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2. Brief History of Solar Cells
• Dates back to French physicist Antoine-Cesar Becquerel
of 1839 .
– He observed that shining light on an electrode submerged in a
conductive solution would create an electric current.
• By 1941 Russell Ohl had invented the first silicon solar
cell.
• The energy crisis of the 1970s sparked an interest but the
prices were too high.
• Now they are becoming more cost effective.

3. Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIP)
• Integrate solar cells with
buildings.
• They are in the form of
photovoltaic panels.
• They are used in walls,
roofs, and in “Power
Glass”.
• Sunlight strikes the panels
and create electricity that
is used in conjunction with
the electricity supplied by
local energy companies.

4. BIPV Process
• Place a very thin, semi-transparent coating and film over a large area
of glass or transparent plastic.
• Use a reel-to-reel manufacturing technique to create the film.
• This coating will replace conventional glazing material and at the
same time create electricity.
Second GenerationFirst Generation

5. Applications
• Used on windows,
atrium glazing, roof
glazing, or curtain
walling
• BIP are especially
useful in today’s
commercial and
industrial facilities.

6. Applications
• Used on windows,
atrium glazing, roof
glazing, or curtain
walling
• BIP are especially
useful in today’s
commercial and
industrial facilities.