Energy Efficiency of Transparent Solar Cell-Based Sustainable Architecture in Arid and Semi-Arid Climates
Abla Elsayed(1), Mohamed Helal(1), Sobhy Abdelkader(2), Manar Eldeeb(1) 1.Department of mural painting, Fine Arts, Alexandria University, Alexandria City, Alexandria, Egypt 2. Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Egypt-Japan University, Borg El-Arab, Alexandria, Egypt 2026-06-27

Abstract

As global urbanization accelerates, the demand for sustainable building envelopes has led to the emergence of
Transparent Solar Cells (TSCs) as a cornerstone of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). The integration of TSCs into building envelopes presents a promising pathway toward energyefficient and sustainable architecture, particularly in regions with high solar irradiance. This paper presents an assessment of the energy, environmental, and economic benefits of deploying transparent photovoltaic glazing for sustainable buildings in warm regions. A practical case of installed TSCs in New Borg El-Arab City, Alexandria, Egypt is considered. Situated at the northeastern edge of the Sahara Desert, the site presents a dualchallenge: extreme solar irradiance and high cooling demand. Energy benefits are quantified from two complementary aspects: on-site electrical generation and reduction of cooling demand due to partial reflection and absorption of solar radiation. A detailed economic analysis, including capital costs, operational savings, and payback period, is presented and compared with conventional facade alternatives. A carbon dioxide emissions reduction assessment is also performed. Results demonstrate that transparent solar cells can significantly enhance building energy performance while offering attractive long-term economic and environmental benefits for sustainable urban development in arid and semi-arid climates. TSC facades were estimated to reduce total building energy consumption by 30–40%, with simple payback periods of 6–9 years under current local electricity prices.

Key words: Transparent solar cells, building-integrated photovoltaics, energy efficiency, HVAC.

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