CENER is committed to the development of photovoltaic ceramic tiles
The world is changing, adapting to the needs of the moment. The current climatological and geopolitical situation compels us to seek an increase in the presence of renewable energies to reduce CO2 emissions and thus mitigate the effects of climate change. All of this is being accomplished through a global and cross-cutting energy transition, continually giving rise to new opportunities. Specifically, the versatility, low production cost, and ease of installation make photovoltaic energy a fundamental player in present and future solutions in this new scenario.
One of the strategic lines of CENER is framed within innovative photovoltaic applications. Within this line, the integration of photovoltaic energy into different products and installations is considered. Furthermore, the widespread installation of photovoltaic energy means that its integration into urban environments is socially demanded.
The Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings requires EU countries to develop long-term renovation strategies to facilitate the cost-effective transformation of existing buildings into nearly zero-energy buildings. This product presents a solution that will contribute to decarbonizing the real estate sector, strengthening long-term renovation strategies and supporting national building renovation plans, with the goal of turning the entire building into free emission buildings by 2050. CENER is working on a project to design and develop a solution that allows the advantages of placing photovoltaic modules on rooftops, considering the aesthetics of different urban environments. In essence, we design and develop the so-called photovoltaic tiles. This difference, which may seem insignificant at first glance, sets new trends in construction products, such as elements for energy-efficient building envelopes, roofing elements, tiles, building claddings, etc., that integrate electricity generation from photovoltaic elements on the path to achieving nearly zero-energy buildings or even positive energy neighbourhoods. In this way, photovoltaic modules simply become another building component in facilities integrated into buildings.
CECOMP4PV Project
Aware of the importance of developing innovative products that contribute to the decarbonization of the real estate sector, CENER participates in the CECOMP4PV project along with the Instituto de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos de Concentración (ISFOC), the NOTIO association (Centro Tecnológico de la Arcilla Cocida), and San Javier Bricks. All partners are working from different approaches to find sustainable solutions that make a difference for a future photovoltaic product.
The Materials and Coatings for Energy Laboratory at CENER, focuses on incorporating photovoltaic technology into ceramic tiles, both flat and curved, trying to preserve, as much as possible, the conventional method of manufacturing photovoltaic modules that provides excellent performance and durability. We face mainly two major challenges, the application on curved tiles and colouring, since the technology of the most common photovoltaic modules is crystalline silicon, known for its fragility (breaks easily when bent) and its dark blue (almost black) colour. However, within the project, integration with other flexible technologies, such as amorphous silicon and perovskites which present their own complexity, is also being considered.
During the first year of the project, significant progress has been made on flat tiles, manufacturing prototypes that have successfully passed the required tests stipulated by the IEC 61215 standard. These tests are equivalent to those undergone by commercial photovoltaic modules to meet the standards established in the industry and the market.
In addition, specific tests have also been carried out at NOTIO’s facilities in accordance with ceramic tile standards. Specifically, to date, the tests carried out on the prototypes have obtained very satisfactory results in terms of frost resistance.
The photograph corresponds to a small prototype manufactured in the Materials and Coatings for Energy Laboratory. The primary objective is to find a solution capable of withstanding the tests required in the certification of photovoltaic modules, in accordance with the qualification standard. Additionally, progress is being made in finding a solution for curved tiles, as well as in analysing various options for colouring the module without significantly reducing its efficiency.
After the initial results, it is expected to achieve a viable prototype of a photovoltaic ceramic tile that meets the requirements of both tile and photovoltaic module standards at the end of the CECOMP4PV project.
In conclusion, CENER laboratories (accredited by ENAC for the main photovoltaic standards) have the necessary infrastructure, and the centre’s experience and knowledge are used in this project to carry out the photovoltaic integration into tiles, characterization, and finally, the regulatory tests that allow the final deployment of the product for market incorporation.
This project has been co-funded by the Science and Innovation Ministry through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and by the European Union through NextGeneration funds.