Yekeh, Sorour2025-09-162025-09-162025-09-162025-09-15https://hdl.handle.net/10012/22430Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) windows have gained increasing attention due to their onsite energy generating capability and possibility of reducing operational carbon, but their impact on occupants’ view experience in terms of view clarity and privacy has not been addressed. This research addresses this gap by assessing how various design approaches of mono- and poly-crystalline Silicon BIPV windows impact occupant satisfaction using a human-centric perspective, based on the combination of subjective experience and objective BIPV windows performance analysis. For this purpose, an immersive virtual reality (IVR) test was developed which enabled more than 70 participants to assess BIPV window views in a virtual office setting. The IVR approach is a scalable process for early-stage assessment of the façade which is particularly useful in environments where the development of a physical prototyping is expensive, time-consuming or not possible. Solar cell size and visible light transmittance (TVIS) were varied to assess trade-offs among view clarity, privacy, and overall satisfaction. The selected by the participants configurations were further analyzed in terms of annual daylighting performance and PV energy generation. This included performance metrics as daylight autonomy and glare probability, as well as potential generated electricity (kwh/m2/year), to paint a picture of how user-preferred BIPV configurations will perform in the context of energy generation and daylighting. The results show a trend where BIPV configurations with increasing TVIS were preferred overall by participants for better view clarity and higher overall satisfaction, even if their view privacy was slightly compromised. A BIPV window with full size cells and TVIS = 0.48 was found to be the preferential configuration, providing both view satisfaction and an acceptable PV output. This scalable, repeatable, and cost-effective approach enables researchers and designers to simulate and assess occupant perception of BIPV window views, offering valuable insights for sustainable, occupant-centered façade design. These insights aim to guide improvements in BIPV window design, ensuring a balance between maximizing energy generation while maintaining window functionality and occupant comfort.enBuilding-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) WindowsWindow View QualityImmersive Virtual Reality (IVR)Occupant SatisfactionView ClarityView PrivacySustainable Façade DesignEnergy GenerationDaylighting PerformanceDoctoral Thesis