Performance of structural integration of fibre reinforced polymer composites and photovoltaics

This thesis develops structural integrations of building components and solar cells for load-bearing scenarios. Mechanical responses of such integrations and electrical responses of the integrated PV cells to mechanical loading are evaluated. Approaches to mitigate the negative effects of mechanical loads on the solar cells are proposed and investigated. Thermal responses of the integrations to light irradiations in laboratorial and outdoor conditions are also investigated. The innovative integrations provide a clean, renewable and practical solution for energy acquisition in buildings.