Photovoltaic Integrated Shading Systems in Contemporary Buildings
Most public buildings are not exactly known for being masterpieces of comfort. Whether it is a local library or a sprawling secondary school, these structures often feel like giant glass boxes that turn into ovens the moment the sun comes out. Traditionally, the answer was simple: install huge air conditioning units and hope for the best. However, as we move towards a greener and more financially sensible future, architects are turning to a much more elegant solution known as Photovoltaic-Integrated Shading Systems, or PVISS for short. At its heart, the system is quite straightforward. Imagine the classic "brise-soleil" or external sun-shades you see on modern office blocks. Now, instead of these being plain slats of wood or metal, they are encrusted with solar cells. The brilliance of this setup is that it addresses two problems at once. First, it physically blocks the sun’s rays from hitting the windows, preventing the "greenhouse effect" from roasting the people ...