The new generation of thin-film photovoltaic modules Schüco ProSol TF+ is transforming facades

The company Schüco, a leading manufacturer of building envelope systems and solar technologies, has expanded its range of facade modules with integrated photovoltaics to include an exclusive new product. The new generation of thin-film modules from Schüco, designated ProSol TF+, offers improved energy performance as well as a new attractive appearance. The key feature is a special multi-layer crystalline structure, which ensures that ProSol TF+ modules provide higher solar yields compared to conventional thin-film modules. In addition to increasing the potential of the facade system in the area of sustainable architecture, the new modules also open doors in the field of design. The dark appearance is elegant, with the possibility of variable, individual concepts in terms of degrees of transparency as well as dimensions. The modules can be applied in windows, doors, sliding systems, and as large-area facade solutions.

Up to 40% of globally consumed energy and associated CO2 emissions come from buildings. This clearly demonstrates the significant potential for decentralized energy production and energy-efficient construction. And the newly innovated window and facade modules ProSol TF+ are the ideal solution. In addition to sophisticated design, they provide ecological energy production with zero emissions. The dark thin-film modules from Schüco with a multi-layer crystalline structure achieve excellent performance of up to 80 Wp/m².

Perfect appearance, flexible use, high efficiency
Options include completely opaque and semi-transparent variants with transparency ranging from 5 to 25%. This ensures sufficient transparency to the exterior environment with warm facades while allowing for daylight to enter the room, all while continuously generating electricity. The manufacturer also offers variability in the choice of dimensions, with individual modules available in sizes ranging from 200 x 300 mm (w x h) to 2200 x 2600 mm. In modular solutions, a maxi size of 2000 x 4000 mm (w x h) can also be ordered.

The multi-layer module ProSol TF+, composed of layers of glass, silicon, and a protective laminated foil, has a minimal thickness of only 8 mm. The front glass, coated with a transparent layer (TCO - Transparent Conductive Oxide), which electrically connects the silicon layers generating electric current along with the contact layer, is 3.2 mm thick. The thickness of the back glass layer varies according to specific static parameters. The combination of the surface treatment of the top glass with layers of amorphous and microcrystalline silicon leads to effective electricity generation. The current is generated by transforming sunlight in both silicon layers, one from amorphous (a-Si:H) and the other from microcrystalline silicon (uc-Si:H). Together, both layers utilize a significantly wider light spectrum and create a characteristic dark appearance. The back glass, front glass, and electrically efficient thin layers, together with a special protective laminated foil (PVB), form a solid homogeneous unit.

Standard solutions and an individual approach are in play
Creative concepts and free design are opened up by the possibility of choosing shape, size, degrees of transparency, and structure. Within warm facades, the facade system ProSol TF+ also performs insulating function very well. Depending on the degree of transparency, windows, doors, and sliding systems create a pleasant environment with sufficient daylight. Cold facades ProSol TF+ represent a highly attractive, efficient, and flexible system solution for integrating thin-film technologies into large, opaque facade structures.

The new ProSol TF+ has been available in Schüco's range since April of this year. The availability of this facade solution will be supported by a range of informational materials (brochures or CAD systems). The support package will also include software tools such as SchüCal+ and SchüCad+, as well as the Schüco solar yield calculator SolarCalculator ProSol TF+.

Schüco ProSol TF+ with perimeter mounting in a cold facade SCC 50.HD

Insulating glass Schüco ProSol TF+ in a warm facade FW 50+.SI

For more information about the modules ProSol TF+, visit www.schueco.cz.