Dynamic photovoltaic blinds for glaze-façade buildings
Scientists from China have built photovoltaic blinds that can reportedly regulate thermal load, daylight penetration, and energy generation in high-rise buildings with glazed facades. Their creators claim the blinds offer superior architectural aesthetics and notable energy-saving potential.
3S Swiss Solar Solutions completes 250 MW module factory in Switzerland
Switzerland-based module manufacturer 3S Swiss Solar Solutions opened its second production facility in its home country.
Swiss startup develops adhesive film to create PV billboards
A Swiss company has developed adhesive film that can be applied on solar panels to make them more aesthetically appealing. The film reduces electricity production by between 10% and 30%, but income from advertising could offset such losses.
The impact of BIPV in high rise buildings
Scientists from Spain have outlined several scenarios for developing building-integrated PV solutions in a case study building in Palma de Mallorca. Their economic analysis stressed the importance of electricity pricing schemes for the viability of BIPV projects in the Mediterranean area.
Fraunhofer ISE showcases solar thermal facades for heat pumps
Fraunhofer ISE has developed solar thermal facade panels that function as heat pump sources in buildings. The solution is made of ultra-high-performance concrete for aesthetic architectural facades.
BIPV shading estimation methods key for uptake, says IEA-PVPS
A recently published report from the IEA-PVPS on building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) digitalization found many BIPV professionals are unsure of a suitable method for estimating shading in BIPV projects.
Prefabricated BIPV wall for multi-floor buildings
Scientists in Singapore have built a plug-and-play, multi-layered, building-integrated PV wall that can be installed without scaffolds. The system has a light-gauge steel support structure, with a system to block air and rainwater at the wall connection.
BIPV solar facade on high-rise building to produce 58 MWh annually
The 25-meter building facade building with 120 solar modules uses SolarEdge optimizers to overcome shading from neighboring buildings.
‘Solar skin’ set to power Melbourne office tower
With architects and construction companies across the world showing an increasing interest in building-integrated PV, one Australian company has outlined plans to clad an eight-storey building being constructed in West Melbourne with a “solar skin” that will generate almost all of the building’s base power.
Solar facade with frameless design
The frameless design of the 50 kW facade was made possible by a concealed suspension technology that, according to its creators, eliminates the need for additional edging at the edge of the module. The installation was built with 135 W CIGS solar modules.
