Journal of Applied Science and Engineering

Published by Tamkang University Press

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Angle loss of CdTe-based semi-transparent thin film photovoltaic module integrated window glazing systems in a hot and humid climate

 2027

 Volume 36

Noman Ashraf, Ummikalsom Abidin, and Mazlan Abdul Wahid

School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Received: April 06, 2026
Accepted: September 29, 2026
Publication Date: October 26, 2026

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External quantum efficiency (EQE) of the selected STPV modules

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One promising method for smoothly integrating solar energy generation systems into the built environment is building-integrated photovoltaics, or BIPV. Among the various BIPV technologies, the integration of CdTe-based semi-transparent thin-film photovoltaic modules into window glazing systems has great potential. However, the angle loss phenomenon poses a significant challenge and affects the performance of these systems. Understanding and mitigating angular losses is crucial for optimizing the energy generation capacity of CdTe-based semi-transparent thin film PV modules integrated into window glazing systems. The current research investigates the angle loss for the thin film semi-transparent photovoltaic module (STPV) applied to the glazing systems. The analysis considered all four geographic directions (north, south, east and west) to determine the angular loss with varying module transparency. The characteristics of the STPV module were evaluated experimentally and simulations were carried out using Design Builder software. The study found that the angle loss at the considered latitude is up to 8.7%. The analysis shows that the angle loss is noticeable at an angle of incidence (AOI) greater than 70°[cite: 16]. When looking at the transparency of the STPV module, it was found that the angular loss varies by about 25%.

Keywords: Glazing systems, STPV, BiPV, CdTe-based semi-transparent modules, angular loss, thin-film photovoltaic

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