Studies on the integration of flexible photovoltaic panels into architectural elements of buildings

Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 11 June 2026

Abstract

Flexible photovoltaic technologies enable new possibilities for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications, particularly on curved and non-planar architectural surfaces. This study experimentally investigates the influence of geometrical configuration and installation orientation on the electrical performance of flexible photovoltaic panels. Outdoor measurements were conducted using flat and curved modules operating under identical electrical loading conditions. Panels were evaluated at a south-facing tilt angle of 32° and at a vertical orientation representative of façade integration. Electrical parameters including current, power, voltage, and cumulative energy generation were recorded at five-minute intervals throughout the day. Results obtained from a representative measurement campaign demonstrate that the concave configuration consistently produces higher current and power output compared to a flat panel, leading to increased daily energy generation while maintaining similar voltage characteristics. The performance enhancement is attributed to improved angular acceptance of incident solar radiation provided by geometric curvature. The findings indicate that controlled curvature in flexible photovoltaic modules can improve energy harvesting efficiency in practical BIPV scenarios, supporting their integration into architectural elements such as façades, balconies, and building envelopes.