preguntas frecuentes

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

 

PRODUCT

 

What is BIPV glass?

“BIPV” stands for “Building integrated Photovoltaic”, so BIPV glass is a photovoltaic glass integrated into a building.

What technologies do you offer?

We offer both a-Si (amorphous silicon) and c-Si (crystalline) technologies. In the case of c-Si, we offer both mono and poly crystalline technologies.

What are the differences between a-Si and c-Si technologies?

c-Si offers a higher peak power and efficiency compared with a-Si, while a-Si offers a more aesthetical appearance. On the other hand, a-Si offers a better performance with diffuse light or in case of shadows.

Which technology should I use in my project?

There is no a single answer, it depends on what are you looking for and what are your main needs. Contact us and we will be pleased to assist you further!

What is the difference between installed power capacity and energy generation?

The installed power capacity is the maximum possible energy generation under standard conditions (expressed in kW); while energy generation refers to the amount of energy generated during a period of time under some specific and real conditions (measured in kWh). The installed power capacity depends only on the product itself, while the energy generation depends not only on the product, but on the conditions of the project (location, orientation, tilt, etc…).

What is the nominal peak power of a-Si and c-Si technologies?

In the case of the a-Si technology depends on the transparency degree:

  • DARK (0%): 58Wp/m²
  • M VISION (10%): 40Wp/m²
  • L VISION (20%): 34Wp/m²
  • XL VISION (30%): 28Wp/m²

In case of c-Si it depends on the type of cells (mono or poly) as well as the number of cells per square meter and it can be almost 165Wp/ m².

How can we use the generated energy?

The three options are:

  • Direct connection to building inner grid for self-consumption and without storage
  • Grid-connected PV system feeding energy to the utility grid
  • Self-consumption with battery storage of the energy generated

Each country has its own regulations in this sense, so before designing your installation you should check your local regulations. For more info, please visit our BIPV Installation Guide.

What types of inverters are required?

The inverter converts the direct current electricity into alternating current. The same type of inverters included in a traditional PV plant can be used in BIPV plants. It should be considered the total installed power among other thing for the design of the inverters.

What types of junction boxes are used?

The standard junction box we use is a bipolar junction box placed in the backside of the glass. We also offer monopolar junction boxes, also placed in the backside of the glass. In some cases, depending on the glass configuration, we can also offer edge junction boxes.

What glass sizes do you offer?

a-Si standard sizes are:

  • 1245x300mm
  • 1200x600mm
  • 1245x635mm
  • 2462x635mm
  • 1242x1245mm
  • 1849x1245mm
  • 2456x1245mm
  • 600x600mm (PV floor)

 

In the case of c-Si, the standard sizes are:

 

  • 1475x480mm
  • 1650x850mm
  • 1641x989mm
  • 1700x1000mm


Visit our Technical Guide for technical datasheets and for more details.

What is the maximum glass size you can offer?

We have the largest photovoltaic glass in the market; we can customize your glass up to 4000x2000mm.

What glass configurations do you offer?

We offer double and triple laminated glass. Visit our Technical Guide for more details on glass configuration.

Do you offer IGU glass?

Yes, we also offer IGU glasses, both with air or argon to be customized depending on U value requirements.

Do you offer Low-e glass?

Yes, we also offer Low-e PV glass. Visit the Low-e Photovoltaic Glass Technical Guide for more info.

Do you offer colored glass?

Yes, we offer many different colour options both with a-Si and c-Si technologies. For more info, visit this link.

What is the weight of the BIPV glass compared with standard glass?

The photovoltaic technology does not affect the weight of the glass, so it is the same as the standard glass and it depends on the glass size and on the glass configuration.

Can you customize the glass based in the clients need?

Yes, we can offer many different customizations based on client requirements. Please, contact us for more info.

Is the BIPV glass transparent?

Yes, we offer different transparency degrees. The more transparent the glass is, the less energy production (as we have to remove technology). a-Si technology offers 4 transparency degrees:

  • DARK (0%)
  • M VISION (10%)
  • L VISION (20%)
  • XL VISION (30%)

The transparency of c-Si technology depends on the density of cells per sqm, the more density, the less transparency achieved.

Does the glass have any international certification?

Of course, we have many different certifications such as IEC, UL, resilience and safety, Integrated Quality management, Environmental Quality System under ISO14001:2015… Please, visit this link to know more about our certifications.

Do you have any LEED qualifications? How many point will we get if we use BIPV glass?

Our BIPV glass contributes to obtain points in the LEED certification system. Depending on many factors such as the technology, the glass configuration, the integration area, etc… you will obtain more or less points. Please, our Leed Certification guide for more info.

Will the wires and junction boxes be seen?

Junction boxes and wires are mandatory in order to harvest the produced energy. Junction boxes can be hidden in special fixation system or can be seen. Wires can also be hidden inside the structure of the solution.

Can I combine any type of BIPV glass in my project?

There are some requirements mandatory to achieve the minimum conditions of a BIPV installation (minimum installed power, inverter accepts same technology and same type of BIPV glasses, tilt and orientation of the modules, etc…). For more info, please visit our BIPV Installation Guide

How should I maintain my BIPV installation?

For preventive maintenance and cleaning, please check our Product Manual.

What warranties do you offer?

Onyx Solar warranties an 80% output power value after 10 years measured under standard conditions. Also, Onyx Solar offers a 5 years warranty for materials and manufacturing defects. Please check our Product Manual for full details about warranty policy.

What is the price of your BIPV glass?

The price of our standard products depends on many factors, such as technology, glass configuration, glass size, glass colour, total integration area, etc… The minimum offer we offer is 83€/sqm. If you have a project, please, contact us and we will be pleased to prepare a quotation for you.

 

CONSTRUCTIVE SOLUTIONS

 

In what constructive solutions can BIPV glass be included?

Yes, we have an anti-slip walkable PV floor.

Do you also offer PV floor?

Our BIPV glass contributes to obtain points in the LEED certification system. Depending on many factors such as the technology, the glass configuration, the integration area, etc… you will obtain more or less points. Please, our Leed Certification guide for more info.

Can I use your products for refurbishments or only for new constructions?

Our products can be included both in new constructions as well as refurbishments.

What technology can be used for what constructive solution?

Any technology (a-Si or c-Si) can be used for any constructive solution. As a-Si works better with diffuse sunlight, it might be a better choice for some solutions.

What type of fixations should I use to install BIPV glass?

Our PV glass needs the same fixations as standard glasses. The only limitations are that the fixations should not be placed over the glass (as it will not receive the sunlight) and the glass can’t be perforated, as some fixations do with standard glass. Please, visit this link for more information.

What companies can install the BIPV glass?

Any reliable local company used to install traditional glass can also install BIPV glass. Concerning the electrical installation, again, any local reliable electrical installer should be capable of implementing the electrical installation.

Do you offer engineering services?

Yes, we do offer Engineering services. Please, let us know your needs and we will be pleased to prepare a quotation accordingly.

EXECUTED PROJECTS

How many projects have you already completed? Where are located those projects?

We have completed more than 150 projects all around the world: US, Australia, Mexico, United Kingdom, Chile, Singapore, India, Morocco, United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, Spain, Lebanon, Italy, Brazil, France, Indonesia, Malta, etc.

Can I visit a project site?

Of course, you are more than welcome to visit any of our projects. The only limitation is that in some cases are private buildings, so the entry may not be available.

What companies have you worked with?

We constantly cooperate with the most reputable architects, engineers and construction companies such as Norman Foster, Gensler, SOM, HOK, DPA, Jacobs, Aecom, Skanska, Turner, Samsung etc… We also count with some final clients as known as Coca Cola, Pfizer, Novartis, Samsung, ING, Miami Heats, Bursagaz, Marriot, etc.

Where can I get more information about your projects?

Please, visit our Projects & References for more information.

COMPANY

Where are your offices located?

We have offices in Ávila, Spain; Beijing, China and in New York, USA.

Do you manufacture yourself or do you subcontract your manufacturing?

We have our own factory, we do not subcontract our manufacturing.

Where is your factory located?

Our factory is located in Avila, Spain.

What is your production annual capacity?

We have a production capacity of over 500.000sqm fully operative.

Can I visit your facilities?

Of course, you are more than welcome to come and visit us any time.

Do you supply to any country in the world?

Yes, we supply our products all around the world. Find your closer distributor in our Distributors Map. If there is no distributor in your country, we can assist you from our headquarters in Spain.

Are you involved in R+D?

We have been, we are and we will be involved in R&D, as we consider it critical in this field. Projects such as PV Sites, Advanced BIPV, REELCOOP, HERB, R2CITIES, EVERCLEAN, PV-INV, PVCOM, ARTESUN, the autonomous office, SOHIRE, INNDISOL, etc… Visit this link for more info.

Have you received any award or recognition?

More than 40 international awards distinguish Onyx Solar as the world leader company in photovoltaic glass for buildings. Glass Magazine Award Most Innovative Glass, best Products Awards by Architects Newspaper, Global Leader Building Integrated Photovoltaic glasses by Frost&Sulivan, etc.

 

Contact Onyx Solar for further information in photovoltaic glass

 

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