Abstract
The present document includes a state-of-the-art review of solar envelope systems that are already on the market or that can potentially reach that stage in a short-medium timeframe (Technology Readiness Level ≥ 4). The analysis focuses on the technological integration of such solutions in the envelope and building, but non-technical issues such as aesthetic, architectural integration and customer acceptance are also tackled. For the sake of simplicity, the solar envelope systems are classified in:
Solar harvesting systems: systems that generate electricity or heat;
Solar gains control systems: systems that control daylight / incident solar radiation entering the building, reducing the need for active heating and cooling;
Hybrid systems: combination of solar harvesting and solar gains control systems.