A systematic review of energy and thermo-visual performance of photovoltaic glazing in office buildings

Abstract

The integration of smart photovoltaic (PV) glazing into building envelopes offers a critical solution for balancing energy efficiency with occupant comfort, particularly in hot climates where cooling loads and solar glare are dominant challenges. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 59 peer-reviewed studies published between 2009 and 2025, following PRISMA protocols to evaluate the thermo-visual and energy performance of smart PV-integrated window systems. The analysis reveals that while amorphous silicon (a-Si) remains the most extensively studied material, CdTe and c-Si appear among the technologies associated with the highest scenario-specific savings, although the available evidence does not support a baseline-independent ranking of PV materials. Studies report reductions in total building electricity of 60–73% (context-specific upper values) against differing single-pane, conventional double-glazing, or code-compliant baselines at moderate-to-large WWRs; baseline-stratified analysis shows lower savings against low-E glazing and substantial variation with WWR, climate, orientation, and metric. However, a critical trade-off exists between energy generation and visual comfort, as moderate-transparency systems effectively control glare, and high-transparency emerging technologies, such as perovskites, frequently risk visual discomfort. Furthermore, the review identifies significant gaps in the literature, notably a scarcity of studies dedicated exclusively to hot climates, a lack of economic and grid-interaction analyses, and limited real-world validation of advanced switchable concepts. These findings underscore the need for future research to prioritize integrated thermo-visual optimization and robust field testing to accelerate the adoption of multifunctional PV façades in sustainable building design.