News Article
Schueco Introduces Improved BIPV Product
In April 2012, Schueco UK Limited is introducing a new look, version of ProSol TF known as ProSol TF+. Designed as a BIPV product, ProSol TF+ is proposed to be an advanced, thin-film PV module that the company says is capable of producing a 30% increase in electrical output over conventional photovoltaic thin-film products.
The module's performance "“ typically 80 Wp/m2 "“ is the result of a tandem cell structure that incorporates dual layers of microcrystalline and amorphous silicon, together with a special laminate foil (PVB). As well as generating electricity, ProSol TF+ can act both as insulation and as solar shading, resulting in a significant reduction in the need for heating and air-conditioning.
The new ProSol TF+ is also different with deep anthracite colouring and the modules can be specified in a variety of alternative shapes including triangles, parallelograms and rhomboids. This greatly extends the system's design possibilities for architects.
ProSol TF+ is also said to contain none of the rare or toxic materials "“ such as cadmium, selenium or lead and will be available as either single glass panes for use in Schueco rainscreen façade systems or as part of double- or triple-glazed units incorporated into Schueco insulated façade systems such as FW 50+.SI.
The modules are supplied opaque for maximum power output, but can be customised by laser-cutting to present varying degrees of transparency ranging from 5% to 25%. This makes them particularly versatile from an architectural design perspective.