Raw materials: PV glass in BIPV modules
INVITAIC integrates high-quality PV glass into its BIPV modules, combining solar energy generation with modern architectural design.
PV modules are composed of various materials. Among these, PV glass is the component in contact with the exterior environment. It provides structural support for the module and protects the solar cells from impacts, rain, snow, dust, sand, humidity, chemicals, and organic agents.
That’s why understanding aspects of PV glass as raw material is essential for selecting the most suitable type for each application. It helps architects, designers, and developers achieve better visual integration, long-term safety, and reliable investment returns with Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).
Technical approach: Understanding different types of PV glass
The first consideration is the composition of PV glass. Generally, glass uses silica as its main component, one of the most abundant materials in nature. Silica provides strength, rigidity, and transparency, while other components create different mechanical, optical, and aesthetic properties.
On the other hand, the transformation processes after glass formation determine the mechanical properties and applications of PV glass.
Float glass
Float glass does not receive heat treatment, resulting in lower mechanical strength and thermal resistance. When broken, it can create large and sharp pieces that may cause safety risks.
Therefore, float glass is generally not recommended for PV module manufacturing.
Tempered glass
The tempering process increases the glass temperature and then rapidly cools the surface with cold air, creating internal stress that improves strength.
Tempered glass provides excellent resistance against impact, bending, compression, and torsion loads. This makes it suitable for transportation, installation, and long-term outdoor applications.
The main difference can be seen during breakage: tempered glass breaks into small pieces, reducing the risk of injury.
Heat-strengthened glass
Heat-strengthened glass follows a similar process to tempered glass but uses a lower temperature treatment. Therefore, its mechanical strength is between float glass and tempered glass.
It can support good levels of stress and loads, especially for vertical applications such as BIPV façades.
When broken, heat-strengthened glass creates larger pieces compared with tempered glass.
Traditional PV modules usually use relatively thin glass:
▪️ 1.6–1.8 mm for low-quality bifacial modules
▪️ Around 2 mm for standard bifacial modules
▪️ Up to 3.2 mm for high-quality monofacial modules
INVITAIC BIPV: Beyond traditional PV glass for architectural applications
Compared with traditional PV modules, INVITAIC BIPV modules use only tempered and heat-strengthened PV glass, with thickness ranging from 3 mm to 19 mm depending on the application and installation requirements.
Lower thickness options are suitable for smaller areas and framed modules. Medium thickness solutions support frameless BIPV modules. Higher thickness solutions provide enhanced mechanical performance for applications such as PV pavers.
Customized PV glass finishes for creative BIPV design
For architects and designers, the appearance of BIPV glass plays an important role in modern building design. INVITAIC offers customized BIPV glass textures and finishes to create unique solar façades, roofs, and architectural applications.
Unlike traditional solar modules with mainly anti-reflective (AR) glass, INVITAIC provides more design options:
▪️ Satin glass reduces stains, fingerprints, scratches, and strong reflections for urban buildings.
▪️ High transparent glass creates a bright and premium visual effect.
▪️ Rain-shaped and rippled glass adds unique light and shadow effects to BIPV installations.
By combining advanced BIPV technology with architectural design, INVITAIC helps transform building surfaces into energy-generating elements.
Contact INVITAIC: sales@invitaic.com
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