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31st European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition; 2628-2632, As semi-transparent photovoltaic windows are advancing within the building and window industry, the need for deeper understanding and quantification of their thermal and electrical behaviour is paramount. The objective of this work is to study and predict the thermal response and electric performance of a typical double-glazed insulated unit integrating STPV technologies on its outer glass layer. PV operating cell temperatures of up to 55.3°C were measured through an experimental study of a prototype STPV window. A numerical model was developed and verified based on the experimental data. The simulations showed that the highest operating cell temperatures occurred during the fall season with operating cell temperatures of up to 60°C, for a south-facing office façade incorporating STPV windows, located in Toronto, Canada.

Social, financial, energy and technical data from about 1110 households have been collected during 2004 in the major Athens area. The sample has been divided in seven income groups and a detailed analysis has been performed. Important conclusions have been drawn regarding the quality of households, the operational conditions and the energy spent per income group. Low income people are more likely to be living in old buildings with poor envelope conditions. The cost per person and unit area is much higher for the low income group for both heating and electricity. Fuel poverty is quite high, especially when the actual oil prices are considered. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Net-zero energy buildings (Net ZEBs) are emerging as a quantifiable design concept and a promising solution to minimizing the environmental impact of buildings. This is the main concept that is focused on this chapter with emphasis on dynamic modeling and examples of technological approaches to achieve net-zero energy. Appropriate modeling of building-integrated solar energy systems is essential for the design of Net ZEBs and the study of optimal control strategies. The net-zero energy balance may be achieved through a combination of passive and active solar technologies, heat pumps, combined heat and power, and energy efficiency measures to reduce energy consumption for lighting and appliances. The chapter presents approaches that are primarily used for modeling and simulating passive solar systems and some building-integrated solar systems. The economics of building integrated solar systems, such as building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal system (BIPV/T), are complex.