A PV window awning system on the University of Texas Houston Health Science Center using AC-modules

The design for a photovoltaic (PV) window awning system on the University Center Tower (UCT) of the University of Texas Houston Health Science Center in Houston, Texas is discussed. The system is nominally 7-kilowatt using 28 individual AC modules. The paper describes the new more powerful version of the SunSine(R) AC modules and the awning system design. Also presented in this paper are the custom features of the modules and mounting brackets that make them blend with the building. Significant design decisions were made to balance competing objectives: overall awning visibility, shading effectiveness and annual energy production by the AC modules.