Large grid-connected hybrid PV system integrated in a public building

This paper describes the integration of photovaltaic (PV) cells into a publ ic building, the public library 'Pompeu i Fabra', which is located in Matar o, a Mediterranean town close to Barcelona, Spain. For this purpose, standa rdized building elements have been developed that provide both thermal and photovoltaic energy from the sun, These hybrid PV-thermal modules are prefa bricated and then quickly mounted on the building as a curtain wall. The fi rst data on the electrical performance are presented Back ventilation of th e solar cells in the hybrid PV-thermal modules leads to increased electrica l performance of the PV generator. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.