Organic Photovoltaic Panels for Bus Rapid Transit Stations in Curitiba – A Viability Study
Abstract
Curitiba is the capital city of Parana State in Brazil. The city is famous for its urban plan and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The design of the bus stations in Curitiba's BRT system is unique and considered a symbol of the city . Recently these bus shelters are criticized for lacking thermal comfort and for their high power consumption. Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) solar panels printed on flexible substrate can be a solution to locally generate power without altering the unique design of the stations. In Brazil OPV panels are produced in industrial scale and viability studies to ensure the quality and better use of this technology is needed. In this viability study we make a comprehensive efficiency, reliability and resilience analysis of OPV panels installed on the top of a tube station. Keywords: OPV, urban furniture, flexible solar panels, efficiency analysis