What is the payback period for BIPV installations with thin film technology?
In chapter 5 the basic features of thin-film technology has been explained. If we refer to the payback of a ‘thin-film’ PV installation the same arguments as in chapter 12 are valid. The rumour that a ‘thin film’ PV installation gives a better payback is not normally true. This is based on the lower initial cost per power unit (Wp) of standard opaque thin-film modules. For a BIPV installation the use of opaque thin-film PV modules for façade cladding or as parapets or screens may result in a better payback than with crystalline modules. But, when a specific transparency is needed the payback of a semi-transparent ‘thin-film’ PV installation is similar to the crystalline modules and the payback period might even be longer.
