Energy self-sufficient office tower with BIPV facade

SUNOVATION eFORM color - High Performance Black

High-efficiency glass-glass modules

The newly built office tower in Eschborn is equipped with a photovoltaic facade made of black BIPV modules SUNOVATION eFORM color High Performance Black. On a facade area of ~1,900m², the highly efficient glass-glass modules generate electricity for the energy self-sufficient office and administration building.

 

Timeless aesthetics

For the facade design, DJH architects created an overarching facade grid with a timeless aesthetic. Based on this, SUNOVATION produced ~1,200 pcs. glass-glass modules in 26 individual module dimensions at the Obernburg site.

 

Key technical data

BIPV facade 1.900 m²
Glass-glass-modules SUNOVATION eFORM color HPB
  1.210 pcs.
  26 different geometries & sizes
Electrical power 315 kWp nom.

 

PV facade on high-rise residential building

Colored Photovoltaics - SUNOVATION eFORM unichrome

Architectural harmony

A high-rise residential building in Regensburg has been modernized and equipped with a building-integrated photovoltaic facade from SUNOVATION. The facade and balconies are equipped with a BIPV facade integrated into the building envelope. This harmonizes perfectly with the other facade materials thanks to the special coloring of the glass-glass modules, which were manufactured in a project-specific champagne shade. The verdict of the db, the German building magazine, was that "the photovoltaic facade is a sign of a new beginning - but one that is integrated into the architecture with rare harmony". Photo: ©studiomolter, cover picture: ©Herbert Stolz

BIPV - made in Germany

A total of 770 m² of the south and west facades of the building are fitted with the individually produced glass-glass modules SUNOVATION eFORM unichrome and SUNOVATION eFORM color High Performance black. The 266 colored PV modules in 6 different sizes are discreetly integrated into the facade and are not recognizable as PV modules thanks to their coloring and the fine matt glass surfaces.

Key Technical Data

BIPV Facade 770 m²
Glass-glass-modules SUNOVATION eFORM unichrome SUNOVATION eFORM color HPB
  Colors: Champagner & Schwarz
Surface: matt
  266 pcs.
  6 different geometries & sizes
Electrical power  98 kWp nom.

 

Colored photovoltaic facade of sustainable office building

SUNOVATION eFORM unichrome

BIPV-Modules made in Germany

Power-generating SUNOVATION eFORM unichrome glass-glass modules in the colors slate and champagne form the building-integrated PV façade of this sustainable office building in Berlin, which was built using a timber hybrid construction method. On over 330 m², the 170 modules in 9 different module sizes provide an installed output of 47 kWp on the facade and thus contribute to the targeted DGNB Platinum certification. Thanks to the individual production of the photovoltaic elements, the colors of the BIPV modules were freely selected and the desired facade design could be precisely covered with the colored glass-glass modules. This pays off not only in the overall appearance of the facade, but also in the level of installed output. Pictures: S+T Facades

 

Convincing product features

The sustainably constructed, multi-storey building in Berlin is largely made of wood and sustainable materials. In addition to the customization options and first-class PV yields, another important feature of SUNOVATION eFORM modules comes into play here - with the best possible fire classification for PV modules, they also optimally meet the requirements for exterior wall cladding of buildings in building categories 4 and 5.

Key Technical Data

BIPV facade 332 m²
Glass-glass-modules

SUNOVATION eFORM unichrome

  colors: slate & champagner
  170 pcs.
  9 different geometries & sizes
Electrical power  47,1 kWp nom.

e-charging station with photovoltaic canopy

Renewable power generation with SUNOVATION eFORM clear

Solar energy at the charging station

This charging station provides customers with 100% green electricity. Individually manufactured SUNOVATION eFORM clear glass-glass modules are integrated into the oval roof of the charging station as overhead glazing. In addition to generating electricity, they also provide protection from the weather. The semi-transparent modules, in which the PV cells are visible, were individually configured to match the architecturally appealing overall appearance of the roofing.

Uniqueness

In addition to the rectangular glass-glass modules, the oval sections of the roof are also covered with active modules in special shapes. Like the shape of the glass, the arrangement of the PV cells was customised to suit the shape of the canopy and the client's requirements. The client opted for a 50% PV coverage to achieve the desired level of transparency and special appearance.

Key technical data

BIPV roofing 385 m²
Glass-glass-modules

SUNOVATION eFORM clear

  156 pcs.
  10 different sizes & geometries
Electrical power  56,5 kWp nom.

Sustainable power generation at railroad station

BIPV-modules SUNOVATION eFORM clear

Roofing with added value

The expansion of renewable energies at railway stations in Austria continues. At Telfs-Pfaffenhofen station, a platform roofing with transparent SUNOVATION eFORM clear triple glazing modules has been installed. Covering an area of 844 m², the photovoltaic roof protects train passengers from the weather while generating around 108 MWh of electricity. The glass-glass modules are designed to withstand the increased wind loads associated with train operations, and their special construction provides an enhanced level of safety, resistance to vandalism, breakage and falling through. To ensure the safe operation of the PV system in the immediate vicinity of high-voltage lines, SUNOVATION also drew on its many years of experience in the design of electrical PV generators.

Transparency and safety

The 330 translucent SUNOVATION eFORM clear glass modules in five different sizes are designed as VSG glass modules with a translucent interlayer combination specially selected according to customer requirements. As a result, the shadows created by the modules appear homogeneous and are not dominated by the integrated PV cells. This reduces visual irritation on the platform and increases safety and walkability. A structural glass roofing system was used to secure the photovoltaic modules, with the glass-glass modules mounted linearly on two sides. The triple structure of the glass-glass-modules allows safe access to the modules for cleaning purposes.

Key technical data

BIPV roofing 844 m²
Glass-glass-modules

SUNOVATION eFORM clear

  330 pcs.
  5 different geometries & sizes
Electrical power  98,1 kWp nom.

Office building with colored PV facade

SUNOVATION eFORM unichrome

Powerful colored PV modules for sustainable zero energy house

This office building, which is currently under construction, is all about sustainability. It is planned as a zero-energy building and constructed using a wood hybrid construction method. The PV facade is designed as a curtain wall with colored PV modules. Manufactured in individual sizes, the SUNOVATION eFORM glass-glass modules pick up on the grid pattern of the window elements for a harmonious facade appearance. The north side of the building is equipped with inactive glass elements SUNOVATION cFORM ident in module optics. Webcam photo: © OFB Projektentwicklung GmbH, Visualization: ©Bloomimages GmbH

Key Technical Data

BIPV facade 947 m² (821 m² active)
Glass-glass-modules

SUNOVATION eFORM unichrome - ColorQuant Collection

  SUNOVATION cFORM ident
  399 pcs.
  8 different geometries & sizes
Electrical power  93,6 kWp nom.

Colored photovoltaic facade

Light grey PV modules SUNOVATION eFORM unichrome

Light grey PV facade

The new building of this research institute is equipped with a 730 m² photovoltaic facade made of colored PV modules. One focus of the teaching and research institute is cloud and climate research, which is also reflected in the facade design. The Leipzig-based architectural firm raumleipzig architekten chose SUNOVATION eFORM unichrome glass-glass modules from the ColorQuant collection for the facade.

Colored glass-glass-modules

In order to create the desired appearance, the color was adapted to the specific object according to the customer's wishes and the modules were designed in a light grey or almost white color. Due to the light module optics and the glass surface, the sky and clouds are reflected in the modules. Depending on the weather and light conditions, the appearance of the facade changes. The north side of the building is equipped with inactive elements SUNOVATION cFORM ident in module optics.

Key Technical Data

BIPV facade 730 m²
Glass-glass-modules

SUNOVATION eFORM unichrome - ColorQuant Collection

  282 pcs.
  68 different geometries & sizes
Electrival power   67 kWp nom.

Construction

The light grey photovoltaic facade is designed as a ventilated curtain facade (VHF). Upon customer request, the glass-glass modules were equipped with frames in the same color as the modules.

Modern office building with BIPV

Transparent PV-Facade with insulated elements & PV-balustrade

Cold facade made of photovoltaic modules

This modern, newly constructed office building was equipped with building-integrated photovoltaics in various areas of the building. In the first two upper floors, impact panes made of individually manufactured glass-glass modules are installed as a cold facade. In the facade areas with windows behind, the distances between the solar cells were increased in favor of a higher incidence of light into the building interior.

Aesthetic all-glass balustrade with PV

In the area of the roof terrace, a fall-proof all-glass balustrade made of glass-glass modules is installed. For a higher energy yield, these PV modules are equipped with bifacial PV cells. Following the visual appearance of the building design, the chosen cell layout was also continued in the adjacent PV insulated glass panels of the building. For this purpose, floor-to-ceiling SUNOVATION eFORM clear modules were manufactured in the ISO version, which are only equipped with PV cells in the lower area.

 

Key Technical Data

BIPV facade 397 m²
BIPV balustrade   42 m²
glass-glass-modules SUNOVATION eFORM clear, partIy ISO - 197 pcs.
  20 different geometries & sizes
Electrical power 45 kWp nom.

Construction

In the area of the front cold facade, the glass-glass modules are supported by clamps. The balustrade is designed as a fall-preventing all-glass railing and merges into an insulating glazing.

Frameless black photovoltaic facade

Univ. Bielefeld R2 with SUNOVATION eFORM color

High performance building integrated photovoltaic facade

The newly built R2 office and laboratory building at Bielefeld University is equipped with a 336 m² high-performance, black building-integrated PV facade from SUNOVATION. Originally planned with thin-film modules, frameless glass-glass modules with crystalline cell technology were selected.

Optimized performance with crystalline glass-glass modules

The SUNOVATION eFORM color High Performance Black glass-glass modules can be adapted to the building structure in individual sizes to optimize performance. This, together with the use of crystalline cell technology, has increased the installed power of the PV facade by around 40 %.

Key Technical Data

BIPV facade 336 m²
Glass-glass-modules SUNOVATION eFORM color HPB 172 pcs.
  9 different geometries & sizes
Electrical power 55,2 kWp nom.

Construction

The glass-glass-modules are supported by discreet point holders in module color. The BIPV modules thus form the outer cladding of the ventilated photovoltaic curtain wall.

Room height photovoltaic modules

Photovoltaic facade at the Freiburg Innovation Center (FRIZ)

Innovation Center in a Technology Park

A state-of-the-art innovation center has been built on the grounds of the technical faculty of the University of Freiburg. The Freiburg Innovation Center FRIZ is a project of the L-Bank Baden-Württemberg, which supports knowledge- and technology-transfer in various university cities by attracting research institutions to technology parks.

Customized power generating photovoltaic facade

A 147 m² building-integrated photovoltaic facade is integrated into the facade of the Innovation Center. This consists of special glass-glass modules for building integration. The black high-performance modules eFORM color High Performance Black from the manufacturer SUNOVATION were produced in the desired format as narrow, room-high elements.

Key Technical Data

BIPV facade 147 m²
Glass-glass-modules SUNOVATION eFORM color HPB 100 pcs.
  0,6 x 2,4 m
Electrical power  22,3 kWp nom.

Construction

The black glass-glass modules are mounted in a frame system matched in color to the modules in the curtain-type rear-ventilated facade. The custom-made photovoltaic elements fit seamlessly into the image of the floor-to-ceiling glazing thanks to their individually configured dimensions.

Solar Decathlon Europe 2021/2022

SUNOVATION sponsors three teams

Team Level Up from Rosenheim

Team Level Up's focus in the competition was on adaptable, modular and flexible residential extensions in timber construction. Building-integrated photovoltaics were used in the roof and facade area. A modern photovoltaic facade in light gray tones simultaneously generates electricity and with the help of a facade heating system, also provides the building's basic temperature control. The SUNOVATION eFORM unichrome modules installed in the facade and the semi-transparent glass-glass modules in the roof were sponsored and individually manufactured by module manufacturer SUNOVATION.

Team MIMO from Düsseldorf

Team MIMO developed a concept for resource-efficient redensification at SDE 21/22 according to their claim 'MINIMAL IMPACT - MAXIMUM OUTPUT (MIMO)'. At the final in Wuppertal, they presented an excerpt of their design concept in the form of two stacked compact solid wood residential modules. An intelligently controlled triple insulated glazed climate envelope made of movable glass lamellas with integrated photovoltaics forms the outer skin of the living elements. The individually dimensioned photovoltaic modules SUNOVATION eFORM clear for the solar facade and solar roofing were sponsored by module manufacturer SUNOVATION.

 

Team Local+ from Aachen

Team Local+ competed at SDE 21/22 with the vision "Local+ is more than just housing - we bring movement into your life". Their concept for a sustainable plus-energy house is based on movable room units/cubes, which can be used to combine private and communal spaces in the model house according to individual needs. In addition to a living facade, the model house features a PV facade on the south side. The curtain-type ventilated facade consists of green SUNOVATION eFORM unichrome modules, which were slightly modified especially for Local+ to visibly communicate the PV technology.

Sustainability, energy efficiency and design

18 teams from eleven countries have taken up the challenge of improving tomorrow's housing and living in the Solar Decathlon 2021/2022. The focus of the competition lies on future-oriented, sustainable urban development. The teams develope specific solutions and innovative redensification concepts for existing buildings and climate-neutral neighborhoods. Therefore they deal with questions such as energy efficiency, climate neutrality, mobile and social networking in an urban context and feasibility.

Congratulations to all the SDE 2021/2022 teams on their outstanding achievements!

High-performance, curved photovoltaic facade

Modern renovation of a building

Old building in need of renovation

The Marburg Medical Care Center has an enormous power consumption due to the use of special diagnostic equipment. Therefore, in the course of modernizing the existing building, a power-generating photovoltaic façade was used to produce sustainable energy. Architect Hagen Plaehn cleverly transformed the multi-story building into a modern yet functional, sustainable structure. Photos: © Christian Quast, Sonneninititative e.V.

 

Special architecture with seamless building-integrated photovoltaics

The photovoltaic façade consists of individually manufactured, frameless glass-glass modules SUNOVATION eFORM color. In order to meet the special features of the existing building, modules and substructure are custom-made. The glazed facade rounding of the building, as well as the rest of the facade, is equipped with active photovoltaic modules. For this purpose, curved glass-glass modules of 2 to 3 m² each were manufactured in five different heights and a radius of 2.5 meter.

 

Key technical data

BIPV facade 317 m²
Glass-glass-modules SUNOVATION eFORM color HPB 161 pcs.
  28 different geometries & sizes
Electrical power  55 kWp nom.

Construktion

The black photovoltaic facade is designed as a ventilated curtain wall. SG frames are attached to the back of the glass-glass modules for easy hooking into the substructure. For the curved glass-glass modules, precisely fitting curved SG frames were manufactured and glued to the curved elements. The result is an actively power-generating edgeless rounded photovoltaic facade. This construction method is made possible by the special production process SCET (SUNOVATION Cell Embedding Technology). Here, the module composite is produced by means of a cold filling process, which enables stress-free embedding of the photovoltaic cells in curved glass.

 

Roofing of a railroad station with transparent glass-glass-modules

Sustainable energy production in Vienna

Transparent canopy with integrated photovoltaics

The newly built canopy at Matzleinsdorfer Platz in Vienna is equipped with building-integrated glass-glass modules mady by the German manufacturer SUNOVATION. The expert for building-integrated photovoltaics produced 163 transparent photovoltaic modules in 24 individual shapes and sizes and individually adapted the transparency level within the modules. The multifunctional photovoltaic canopy aesthetically provides protection while generating electricity at the point of consumption.

 

Customized photovoltaic canopy

The 467 m² building-integrated photovoltaic canopy of the railroad station visually consists of two elements. Narrower areas are covered by cantilevered wing roofs, the wider areas by a construction with integrated photovoltaic skylights. For visual reasons and to increase the energy yield, the modules of the cantilevered roof structure are equipped with bifacial PV cells. The PV cells of the skylight modules were individually arranged: An adjusted spacing of the cells in the areas visible from below visually creates the illusion of a module limited to this space. In the area of the staircase, the cell spacing and thus the degree of transparency were increased in favor of a higher incidence of light. The glass structure of the modules was configured according to static and external requirements at the project site - the overhead glazing is made of laminated safety glass, is walkable and easy to clean.

 

Key technical data

BIPV roof 467 m²
Glass-glass-modules SUNOVATION eFORM clear 163 pcs.
  24 different sizes & geometries
Electrical power 59 kWp nom.

Atrium roofing with integrated photovoltaics

Insulated BIPV glazing of a federal research institute

Power-generating 2-fold insulated glazing

Transparent glass-glass modules SUNOVATION eFORM clear installed in the new building of the Federal Research Institute in Dossenheim. The transparent photovoltaic modules in two sizes were designed as 2-fold insulated glazing and cover the atrium in the center of the building. The atrium is the architectural heart of the building designed by hotz + architekten. It connects different parts of the building and is flooded with light through round ceiling openings that provide a view of the translucent BIPV roofing. Photos: © Atelier Altenkirch

 

Individual degree of transparency with maximum performance

The 420 m² building-integrated solar roof is configured with a transparency level of 50%. Due to its high-performance crystalline solar cells, the BIPV system achieves an installed power of 39 kWp despite this high degree of transparency, SUNOVATION's special silicone encapsulation process (SCET - SUNOVATION Cell Embedding Technology) enables the direct integration of diodes and electrical connections into the module composite to maximize PV performance. This allows power losses due to partial shading to be reduced and module surfaces to be used more efficiently. As with all transparent modules made by SUNOVATION, the edge connector „Connect 7“ was used for an invisible electrical interconnection of the glass-glass modules. Visually, the modules are completed by a discreet edge printing.

 

Key technical data

BIPV roof 420 m²
Glass-glass-modules SUNOVATION eFORM clear ISO 152 pcs.
  2 different sizes
Electrical power  39 kWp nom.

Construction

The building integrated glass-glass modules are designed as 2-fold insulated glazing with laminated safety glass. They are installed horizontally in an add-on construction for glass roofs. The use of stepped glass with an asymmetrical glass structure resulted in a visually appealing flush construction with maximum light incidence. The insulating glass modules can be entered for cleaning purposes and are particularly easy to clean due to a flush installation.

 

Art Museum GES-2 with transparent Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Sustainable architecture at its best

Customized glass-glass-modules

The former power station located in the center of moskow was restored according to a design by the renowned architect Renzo Piano Building Workshops and transformed into an imposing "cathedral of light". In the process, the historic appearance of the building was taken up and modernized according to the principles of sustainable architecture. 4,578 pieces of building-integrated photovoltaic modules in 212 different geometries were installed. Photos: © Michel Denancé

 

Exclusive design

An exclusive 5,421 m² glass roof made of building-integrated photovoltaics with an installed capacity of ~ 500 kWp replaces the original glass roof. Renzo Piano chose semi-transparent glass-glass modules from Sunovation, which were individually manufactured according to his designs. He opted for a degree of transparency of ~ 20% as well as an individual design of the PV cells. Their appearance was refined in shape and color by imprints in shades of gray and white on different glass layers.

 

Key technical data

BIPV Roof 5,421 m²
Glass-glass-modules SUNOVATION eFORM 4,578 pcs.
  212 different geometries & sizes
Electrical power  503 kWp nom.

Construction

The Crystalline high-performance glass-glass modules are fixed in specially manufactured stainless steel brackets. These were attached to the substructure via an axis, allowing the photovotaic roofing to be opened. Despite the very high snow loads at the project site in Moscow, some elements span > 2 m. Statically, these dimensions only were feasible due to the specially adapted glass structure from SUNOVATION

Sustainability Pavilion - Dubai Expo

Unique roof construction with customised BIPV modules

Energy generating roof and Shading

One of the largest BIPV solar roofs in the world was designed by Grimshaw Architects for the EXPO in Dubai and completed in early 2020.

The glass roof, which covers an area of over 8,000 m², consists of individual, trapezoidal solar modules that produce massive amounts of energy and at the same time shade and cool the extensive exhibition rooms inside. In addition, the 18 large solar trees in the exhibition area highlight the theme of regenerative energy.  

Key technical data

BIPV Canopy & 18 Solar Trees 12,620 m²
Photovoltaic glass-glass-modules SUNOVATION eFORM clear VSG trapezoid - 4,912 pcs.
  268 different geometries & sizes
Electrical power 2.1 MWp nom.

Construction

The trapezoidal glass elements were preinstalled in element frames in structural glazing design. Electrical cabling is invisibly installed within the profiles, starting from the edge connections at the glass edge of the glass-glass modules. The solar trees are partially equipped with bifacial cells.

EXPO Site

The UAE Sustainability Pavilion is one of the main theme buildings of the EXPO and will subsequently, permanently be used as an exhibition and museum building.

Mobility Station with photovoltaic facade

Glass-glass-modules in large format

Multifunctional mobility station

This multifunctional building designed by slb_architekten und ingenieure is all about sustainability, e-mobility and cycling. It serves as a monitored bicycle parking garage and offers accompanying products and services on these topics. The design of this unique mobility station was selected in the national competition "Climate protection through cycling".

 

Sustainable charging stations

The translucent facade consists of a combination of large-format facade glasses and glass-glass modules in a frosted glass look. XL solar glass modules with a height of > 5 m and an area of up to 6.7 m² each were individually manufactured in various sizes and geometries. The cell layout is adapted to the structure of the building. The electricity generated is used to supply e-bike charging stations and lighting for the mobility station.

 

Key technical data

BIPV facade 221 m²
Photovoltaic glass-glass-modules SUNOVATION eFORM clear - 44 Stk.
  33 different geometries & sizes
Electrical power   25 kWp nom.

Construction

The large-format glass-glass modules are vertical linearly supported. Its weight is intercepted by steel consoles. With the use of edge connections on the glass edges of the modules, the electrical cabling is completely concealed in the mounting profiles.

 

Funding

This project has been funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU - in German) as part of the national climate protection initiative.

 

Insulated BIPV facade & roof

Custom-designed glass-glass-modules

Modern office building

Sustainable working in a modern office building with a pleasant atmosphere. The facade of the central entrance area as well as the atrium were equipped with translucent, individually adapted solar glass modules. The individually manufactured glass-glass modules are integrated into the building envelope and serve as roofing, shading and energy supplier. Since the modules are designed as double insulating glazing, they have excellent thermal properties. At the same time, their transparency ensures sufficient light to pass through for a light-flooded interior.

Key technical data

BIPV facade & roof 320 m²
Glass-glass-modules SUNOVATION eFORM clear ISO 149 pcs.
  36 different geometries & sizes
Electrical power  33 kWp nom.

Construction

The multifunctional glass elements were installed in a standard post and rail system. The electrical cabling is invisibly installed within the profiles.

 

Black BIPV facade

Modern energy generating facade

Elegant look

A frameless photovoltaic facade has been adapted individually to an existing building. The result is an elegant, power-generating facade that is not recognizable as such at first glance. 399 glass elements in 15 different sizes and geometries were optimally integrated into the existing building structure. The use of integrated diodes optimizes the yield of this BIPV facade.

Key technical data

BIPV facade 370 m²
Glass-glass-modules SUNOVATION eFORM color black - 399 pcs.
  15 different geometries & sizes
Electrical power  41 kWp nom.
Annual energy yield 25 MWh

Construction

The substructure for this back-ventilated curtain facade has been anchored in the concrete walls with retaining brackets and combined with a structural glazing design. The facade elements have been attached to the retaining profiles with 2-component-silicone and were individually mounted on 4 points in so-called bolt slides.

Design roofing of an underground parking entrance

Light-flooded and sustainable

Integrative design solution

The private client of this special underground parking entrance was looking for a bright and sustainable solution for the roofing of his entrance that blends into the surroundings harmoniously and at the same time satisfies his desire for a special design solution beyond standard ideas.

Distinctive shadowing

For an ideal integration into the surrounding nature a green substructure was provided for this underground parking entrance.  Matching semi-transparent glass-glass modules with emerald green design cells were created for this purpose. Viewed from above they perfectly embed themselves into the overall picture. The entire design-potential, however, is only visible inside the entrance – the distinctive and impressive play of the modules' shadowing is created in the sunshine.

Key technical data

Photovoltaic canopy elements 

 

SUNOVATION eFORM Crystal – 18 pcs. – with laminated safety glass

Level of transparency: 55 %, PV laying: 45 %

PV cells 6 inch polycrystalline, emerald green

Construction

The photovoltaic roofing elements are linearly supported on a customary roof construction of aluminum profiles.

Multifunctional building envelope in corporate color

Blue glass facade with LED elements

Innovation and sustainability

The company Omicron was looking for an innovative and sustainable facade in the colors of their logo. With this in mind, a very elegant glass facade with „blue“ as the main color was designed, in which highly efficient solar cells were embedded. The technical affinity and innovative strength of the company are reflected in the integrated LED glass elements in corporate colors.

Implementation

This multifunctional facade consists of 510 glass-glass elements and 90 LED glass elements, which are specifically authorized for a vertical assembly in facades. All elements are individual, customer-specific designs, which optimally integrate into the building structure in terms of geometry, size and structure. One particular highlight is the specially programmed LED play of corporate colors, which has been attached by means of LED stripes that are attached to the rear side. This spectacularly sets the facade in the limelight during night. The production and installation took approx. 6 months.

Key technical data

Electricity generating curtain facade  780 m²
Photovoltaic facade elements  SUNOVATION eFORM Color Blue – 510 pcs.
LED glass elements  SUNOVATION ledFORM Color Blue, Red & Yellow – 90 pcs.
Nominal electrical power  92 kWp
Calculated annual energy yield  66.000 kWh/year

Facade construction

The substructure consists of approx. 1,000 extruded profiles and more than 1,200 retaining brackets, which have been anchored in the wooden wall. The glass elements have been attached to the retaining brackets in structural glazing with 2-component-silicone and were individually mounted on 4 points in so-called bolt slides.

Curved facade elements

Adaptive design to achieve maximum integration

Futuristic Design

The new office building designed by the Architekturwerkstatt Vallentin was implemented according to the passive-plus-energy house standard. It excels through its futuristic design and the combination of down-to-earth and innovative materials. One remarkable design element are the striking, individually designed photovoltaic facade elements, which have been attached to the railings of the floating corridor.

Sophisticated details

One particular feature of the semi transparent BIPV modules is the finishing of the rear side of the modules by means of selective screen-print. By imitating the front cell optics, the module surface visible from the inside ideally integrates itself into the design concept. The highlight, however, are the two curved photovoltaic elements on the curved structure of the triangular shaped atrium. The approximately 3m² large glass-glass modules are bent in a radius of approximately 3.5m. By means of their adaptive design, they perfectly harmonize with the building line and optimally blend into the overall design.

Key technical data

Photovoltaic facade elements 

84 m²
SUNOVATION eFORM Crystal – 26 pcs. – each 3,25m²
SUNOVATION eFORM Arc – 2 pcs. – 3m² - bend radius 3,5 m

All elements have a rear cover of the PV cells with screen print decor

Construction

The large-scale photovoltaic glass elements were installed into a custom-made metal frame construction. Thanks to the space saving positioning of the electrical connections on the edge of the glass, the connecting cables could be installed invisibly in the frame construction. The electric cabling of the PV facade glass was installed horizontally within the frame construction. 

Exclusive gas station roofing

Transparent and roof-integrated

Gas station of the future

The initiator of this project, an ecologically committed operator of a major gas station chain, aimed to transfer the subject of environmental consciousness into the market for fossil energy. The assignment here was to design an exclusive, design-oriented roofing solution with integrated photovoltaic.

Transparence, protection and communication

Project-specifically manufactured glass-glass elements have been installed as an integrated roof on different stations. Due to the transparent appearance of the solar modules, open, light-flooded, yet protected areas have been created to place the design element of photovoltaic into center stage. The ideas „renewable energy“ and „climate protection“ have been integrated and communicated into the world of gas stations in an intelligent way.

Key technical data

Photovoltaic roofing elements  700 m²
SUNOVATION eFORM Crystal – 258 pcs.
Nominal electrical power  62 kWp
Calculated annual energy yield  45.000 kWh/year

Construction

A customary roofing system made of aluminum profiles, in which the photovoltaic glass elements are embedded, has been installed on the steel construction. The installation does not differ from the conventional installation of flat glass elements. The electrical wiring/cabling is located in the fold of the aluminum profiles. The entire installation was carried out by Rudolstädter Systembau, a metal construction company with great experience in the field of gas stations. The planning of the electrical wiring of the PV glass elements was carried out by SUNOVATION.

Black design facade

Elegant appearance with added value

Homogenous and straight

The building developer of this special object had a precious, homogenous looking glass facade with the special something in his mind. The focus of the conceptual planning was the uniform black appearance of the facade that serves to accentuate the clear lines of the building.

Glass-glass modules instead of thin-film

Initially planned with thin-film modules, this facade was realized with glass-glass modules. These do not only offer the requested homogenous dark surface, but due to the crystalline solar cells also generate a higher yield. On top of that came the adaptability of the facade elements to the special requirements of the specific architecture of the building. For this project a total of 330 photovoltaic and décor facade elements with approx. 20 different dimensions were individually produced and installed.

Key technical data

Electricity generating curtain facade 210 m²
Photovoltaic facade elements  SUNOVATION eFORM Color anthracite – 195 pcs.
Décor facade elements  SUNOVATION FORM Color anthracite – 135 pcs.
Nominal electrical power  16 kWp
Calculated annual energy yield  8.600 kWh/year

 

 

Facade construction

The substructure for this back-ventilated curtain facade has been anchored in the concrete walls with retaining brackets and combined with a structural glazing design. The facade elements have been attached to the retaining profiles with 2-component-silicone and were individually mounted on 4 points in so-called bolt slides.

Multi-functional facade of an office building

Insulating glazing with additional benefit

Straight and rich in contrast

The building developer of this project is a specialist for building envelopes and planned a solution which meets his ideas for the design. The goal was to design an insulating glazing with integrated photovoltaic, which adequately picks up the straight, design-oriented style of the metal facade.

Building envelope with additional value

The special character of this insulating glazing with integrated photovoltaic reveals itself to the viewer particularly in the inside of the building. There the visible solar cells are responsible for the specific shadow play and hint at the idea of subject sustainability. By means of the partial shading an overheating of the interior space is avoided. The 2-fold insulating glass ensures the necessary thermal insulation, while the monocrystalline high-performance cells create electrical power.

Key technical data

Photovoltaic facade elements 

SUNOVATION eFORM Crystal ISO - approx. 2500 x 1500 mm

2-fold insulating glass Ug = 1.2 W/m²K

Level of transparency: 40 % ;PV laying 60%

Structure: 10 mm photovoltaic glass module, 14 mm SZR-Argon, 6 mm float glass

Construction

The multifunctional glass elements were installed in a customary post-and-beam facade system, which in addition includes the electric cabling of the elements.

Unique pedestrian bridge with integrated PV-roof

Sustainable energy production in traditional color

Sustainable energy production in traditional color

To accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, the holy mosque in Mecca is being considerably expanded. Important elements here are 4 bridges running radially towards the Kaba.

Curved BIPV glass elements

The roofs of the bridges are designed as barrel roofs. The architects wanted the glass roofs to have a curved shape. Due to the possibilities of silicone encapsulation, SUNOVATION was able to build curved glass-glass-modules and to meet the architects requirements.

Key technical data

BIPV roof 13,000 m²
 

SUNOVATION eFORM color - 8,600 pcs.

flat and curved glass-glass-modules

Electrical power  1.54 MWp
Calculated annual energy yield 2.8 GWh/anno

Construction

The frameless glass-glass-modules are mounted on a substructure of composite elements by means of specially designed aluminum rails. Thus, no fasteners are visible. (Site image from Mecca - 2016)

Industry facade of a different kind

Glass-glass modules with integrated LED lighting

Modern industrial building

The simple industrial facade was supposed to innovatively represent sustainability. A unique solution was developed to add value to the industrial building in a modest but effective way.

Spectacular distant effect

During the day this glass facade is impressive due to its photovoltaic cells. However, the integrated LED lighting is the highlight of the construction. At night the facade is illuminated with bright light and thus impresses with a spectacular distant effect. 

Key technical data

Photovoltaic facade elements 

170 m²
SUNOVATION eFORM Crystal with satined glass – 112 pcs.

Photovoltaic cell: monocrystalline, 5 inch 

equipped with RGB-LED-tape, 307 lm

Construction

The fixing of the industrial facade stands out because of its simplicity. The glass elements were attached to the curtain construction made of aluminum profiles with point clamps. The LED lighting was installed on the profiles on the bottom side.  

LEED platinum certified gas station

Gas station with integrated photovoltaics

LEED platinum certified gas-station

The official gas station of EXPO 2020 in Dubai is the first LEED Platinum certified gas station in the world. It is equipped with custom-made glass-glass modules from SUNOVATION. 210 SUNOVATION eFORM clear modules are designed in rectangular and polygonal glass shapes for perfect integration.

 

Unique Design

Inspired by the UAE National tree, the carbon-fibre canopy is shaped like a ghaf tree. The architecturally distinctive construction is complemented by an energy-generating e-tree. Located on the Dubai EXPO2020 site, the structure embodies the themes sustainability, technology and renewable energy in a contemporary context.

 

Key technical data

BIPV roofing 476 m²
Glass-glass-modules SUNOVATION eFORM clear - 210 pcs.
  3 different geometries & sizes
Electrical power   74 kWp nom.

Construction

The ghaf tree shaped canopy is made of ETFE Cushion. High performance BIPV modules which ensure an above average energy output, are installed in a composite structure with integrated LED lighting.