REPEAT–Textile Design for PV Modules! Design-driven Strategies for Photovoltaic Modules

Abstract

This paper introduces an interdisciplinary collaboration between textile designers, architects and photovoltaic engineers. Together they have developed an innovative photovoltaic module, that a) features a customized coloured design pattern printed on the front glass, b) has a certain format and can be rotated in all four directions, c) is made of the latest Swiss solar technologies to provide high electrical efficiency. This paper shows general textile design approaches and their adoption for designing photovoltaic modules, the manufacturing of a functional prototype and installations for international exhibitions.