bipv

This year marks the 20th edition of the event devoted to the modern, active building envelope. The conference in Bern will highlight the latest advances in integrating photovoltaics into building facades and roofs.

Photovoltaic facades are gaining ground as cities seek new ways to expand clean energy. Vertical surfaces offer untapped potential, with European suppliers such as Eurener now tailoring products to urban demand.

Czech company Alukov has introduced the Carport Camper Solar, a carport system for motorhomes that combines protection and design with integrated solar modules.

Solitek and Stalcorp are advancing renewable integration with two pilot projects that combine photovoltaic technology with noise barriers, marking a major innovation in sustainable infrastructure.

This week’s highlights include Swisspearl’s new Sunskin roof colours, Solis’ hybrid inverter for commercial use, SMA’s Sunny Island X, and Falagotti’s solar fences and façades. These our top products this week.

Vertical solar systems like those from Falagotti offer an alternative to conventional rooftops, with added value when paired with dynamic grid tariffs.

The solar façade cladding the Sixt car rental business in Staffanstorp combines energy generation with aesthetics, and has an installed capacity of 55.8 kWh.

The roof of a neo-Gothic church in Sarpsborg, southeast Norway, has been fitted with discreet solar tiles – a showcase of how heritage preservation and clean energy can go hand in hand.

The Swiss manufacturer has expanded its Sunskin Roof Lap solar system with three additional colours, targeting architecturally sensitive sites such as heritage-listed buildings.

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) harnesses roofs and façades to maximise on-site solar generation, turning the building envelope itself into a power plant. More in our spotlight from 25–28 August.

Spanish manufacturer Eurener’s MEPV module with 108 half-cells delivers 350 to 375 watts of output. Its terracotta-coloured frame enhances visual integration, making it well-suited for BIPV and listed buildings.

As part of the Sphinx research project, Fraunhofer ISE has established a pilot line in Freiburg. The flexible, automated process is assisting Swiss partner Freesuns ahead of mass production of the new matrix shingle solar roof tiles.

A new solar installation in Vienna combines clean energy production with sound insulation. The project shows how PV systems can tackle multiple urban challenges and improve life for locals.

The “SolarMarket” in Brussels municipality Anderlecht showcases how urban photovoltaics can combine aesthetics, sustainability and citizen participation.

K2 Systems is expanding its portfolio of façade systems and presenting the new K2 PerfoRail M. This clever solution allows PV modules to be installed on concrete facades with existing thermal insulation without having to cut open the insulation material. This is where the RDS-CA spacer screw from Reisser comes in, as it reliably fixes in the concrete, compensates for unevenness and is suitable for different insulation thicknesses. The connection is made via K2 PerfoRail M, which is already perforated accordingly so that the screw can be easily attached. The system is complemented by K2 InsertionRail, which allows the modules to be installed quickly and easily and gives the PV system an aesthetic appearance.

The event on building skin design will take place in Bern in November 2025. Manufacturers, planners and suppliers of BIPV systems will join scientists from related fields to present and discuss results and insights.

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) uses roofs and facades to generate as much solar power as possible for use in the building. The building envelope becomes a power plant. Read more about this in our main topic next week.

The US company Jackery is presenting the new XBC solar roof tile at the Bau trade fair in Munich. According to the manufacturer, the new roof tile has an efficiency of more than 25 per cent.

Covered parking spaces are increasingly becoming part of modern car park management. The single support system from K2 Systems has the advantage that there are fewer obstacles when parking and when opening the doors.

Aerocompact is opening up a new market segment with its Compactwall system. In addition to sheet metal facades, installations on concrete and, on request, sandwich facades are also possible.

The French building materials company ArcelorMittal Construction has won The smarter E AWARD 2024 for itsolution for heat-insulating standing seam sheet metal roof elements, commonly known as sandwich roof panels, that integrates high-performance photovoltaic (PV) modules.

In Schallstadt, southwest of Freiburg, architect Rolf Disch has constructed buildings that generate more energy than they consume. Solar modules in the facade provide most of the solar power for heating and mobility.

The Natural History Museum in Vienna has been fitted with a brand new solar installation. It now supplies twelve per cent of the electricity needed in the listed building.

Aerocompact is opening up a new market segment with its Compactwall system. In addition to sheet metal facades, installations on concrete and, on request, sandwich facades are also possible.

Two new Helios carport systems, a 200-kilowatt fast-charging system, glass-glass modules with building approval and home storage ready for variable tariffs. These are our top products of the week: