Membranes with embedded photovoltaic flexible cells: Structural and electrical performances under uniaxial and biaxial stresses

Tensile and inflatable structures are nowadays a common solution for temporary and permanent installation even with complex shapes. The development of flexible photovoltaic cells to be superposed to textile membranes allows the exploitation of the external surfaces of the aforementioned structures not only as a mere coverage of areas but also as a solution to increase their sustainability. This aim has been pursued by developing and producing membranes with embedded photovoltaic cells. Uniaxial and biaxial tests on them are planned and executed within uLites project, supported by the Research Executive Agency in the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Union. Results demonstrate the cells applied to the membrane (PV-membrane) can undergo deformation in the range of the serviceability condition of the common tensile and inflatable structures without compromising the electricity production. This makes the PV-membranes suitable to be used for structural purposes.