Semi-Transparent Photovoltaics
Building Integrated (BIPV) Solar PV for Architectural Glass Applications
At Precision Glass Ltd, we design, supply, and install semi-transparent solar PV systems for residential and commercial projects across the UK. These cutting-edge panels combine energy generation with architectural glazing—providing renewable electricity while allowing natural light to pass through.
Whether you’re upgrading a glazed link, refurbishing a heritage property, or looking for a visually elegant way to meet your sustainability goals, Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are a discreet and practical alternative to traditional rooftop solar panels.
What are semi-transparent Solar Panels?
Semi-transparent photovoltaic (PV) panels integrate solar technology directly into architectural glass. They generate clean electricity while maintaining natural daylighting—making them ideal for applications where aesthetics, planning constraints, or space limitations are key concerns.
Depending on the specification, semi-transparent panels can transmit 10% to 60% of visible light, while converting both direct and reflected sunlight into usable power. Their bi-directional design helps improve energy output, even in lower-light conditions.
These panels can be integrated into your existing renewable energy system, or installed as a standalone solution — giving you flexibility and ease of connection by using standardised connections.
Ideal Where Traditional Solar Panels Aren’t an Option
Do you want to integrate renewable electricity into your project or property but are restricted by space, planning laws or the need to maintain the buildings historical importance?
Semi-transparent BIPV panels can offer alternative solutions to regular solar panels. By offering more architectural solutions such as freestanding canopies, car ports and verandas, semi-transparent PV panels can be integrated into outdoor spaces in an unobtrusive way. Alternatively, existing conservatory roofs can often be upgraded to integrate Solar PV energy generation whilst also offering an additional level of solar shading not offered by standard glazing, to help prevent the risk of overheating in the conservatory due to solar gain.
These panels are particularly well-suited for:
- Listed buildings and conservation areas
- Design-led residential and commercial architecture
- Projects requiring sensitive visual integration
- Large canopies over passageways
Common applications include:
- Glass canopies
- Car ports and verandas
- Rooflights, walkways, or glazed links
- Conservatory roof upgrades
By replacing standard glazing with semi-transparent PV, you not only gain a renewable power source, but also additional solar shading—reducing overheating and improving occupant comfort.
Great for sensitive, heritage or conservation properties
Due to it a more discreet design, semi-transparent photovoltaic panels can be integrated into properties that regular solar PV would normally be excluded from.
Typically undertaken at the time of major refurbishment, semi-transparent PV can be introduced into other elements of work, such as glazed links and rooflights, to offer an unobtrusive integration of renewable energy without the often “inappropriate” aesthetic of traditional solar panels.
Where can semi-transparent solar panels be used?
Semi-transparent solar panels are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of domestic, commercial, and public settings. They’re ideal for:
- Canopies and pergolas
- Carports and EV charging stations
- Conservatory roofs
- Glass walkways and bridges
- Rooflights and skylights
- Glazed façades and curtain walls
- Balustrades and screening elements
- Glass links between buildings
Their ability to generate electricity while still allowing daylight through makes them ideal for dual-purpose structures where space, aesthetics, or regulation limits the use of standard panels.
Send us your plans or photos—we’ll advise where PV glass makes the most impact.
What is BIPV and how is it different from regular Solar Panels?
BIPV stands for Building Integrated Photovoltaics—a modern approach where solar panels are designed to form part of the building’s structure, rather than being added onto it. Unlike traditional solar panels, which are mounted on rooftops, BIPV solutions are integrated directly into architectural elements such as glass façades, roofs, walkways, canopies, and windows.
The key difference?
While conventional solar panels focus solely on energy generation, BIPV combines function, form, and performance—offering electricity production, natural light transmission, and solar shading, all in one seamless, aesthetically pleasing solution. For projects where visual impact matters—or where planning restrictions apply—semi-transparent BIPV offers a smarter, more elegant alternative.
Want to see how solar PV can blend into your building design?
Explore our Glazed Links & Rooflights »
A great way to integrate renewables into your property.
If you’ve been looking for ways to lower your carbon footprint but don’t want to compromise the look or feel of your property, semi-transparent PV glass is the perfect choice.
It doesn’t require pitched roof space or large open fields. Instead, it turns architectural features into energy-generating surfaces—providing a subtle, stylish, and efficient way to contribute to your energy needs.
It’s also a great option during:
- Eco-conscious home improvements
- Property upgrades or extensions
- Listed building renovations
- Newbuilds with sustainability goals
Looking for more solar-integrated ideas?
View our Architectural Glass Solutions
Want to offset the cost of charging the car?
Installing semi-transparent PV in a glass carport or canopy is a smart way to power your electric vehicle (EV) without relying solely on the grid. These panels generate electricity during daylight hours, which can be used to offset the energy required for home or workplace EV charging.
You benefit from:
- Reduced reliance on fossil fuels
- Lower EV charging costs over time
- Sustainable energy generation at point of use
- A shaded, functional outdoor structure
Whether for your home driveway or business fleet parking, solar-integrated glass carports offer long-term savings while showcasing your commitment to green technology.
Do fully transparent solar panels exist?
Fully transparent solar panels do exist—but they are still an emerging technology. While they offer exciting possibilities, current versions typically have lower energy output compared to semi-transparent panels, due to the trade-off between transparency and photovoltaic performance.
At present, semi-transparent solar PV offers the best balance between light transmission and energy generation—making it the most practical and widely available solution for architectural applications.
We’re constantly reviewing new technologies, and if fully transparent solutions become viable for mainstream building integration, we’ll be among the first to offer them.
Seamless Integration with Your Glass Designs
Our in-house team works closely with architects, contractors, and self-builders to design fully integrated solar glazing solutions. These can be incorporated into your project from the start, or retrofitted during major refurbishment works.
We specialise in:
- Bespoke panel design for curved or oversized glazing
- Custom glass configurations for frameless installations
- Glazed links and rooflights with PV integration
A Smarter Way to Go Solar
If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint without compromising on appearance, semi-transparent solar PV is the answer. Whether as part of a modern extension or a sensitive heritage retrofit, we’ll help you deliver a solution that’s beautiful, compliant, and future-ready.
Ready to explore semi-transparent PV for your project?
At Precision Glass Ltd, we bring our specialist expertise to every project. From concept to completion, we work closely with architects, contractors, and homeowners to deliver smart glass solutions that are both functional and visually outstanding. Our deep understanding of frameless and structural glazing means we can offer tailored advice, precision installation, and seamless integration—no matter how complex the brief.
Get a Quote or Call Our Team
Contact our team today to discuss your plans, request a quote, or arrange a survey.
📞 Call us now: 01444 717317
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