The assessment of the reliability of an innovative 3rd generation solar cell integrated with “thermal belt” glass block

Abstract

Glass block is a building product widely used for the construction of translucent building façades and roofs. The need to adapt the product to the regulations in the field of energy saving and environmental sustainability has led to the design of innovative configurations, through the integration of different sub-components. These ones are able to improve its energy performance by means of the integration of a “thermal belt”, cold glued to the glass shells, which constitute the traditional glass block, and 3rd generation solar cells. This paper reports the first results of the experimental program designed to assess some durability components: inherent and critical reliability.