Multi-unit home with white solar elements wins sustainability award

01/29/2022 | Print view

In addition to the outstanding energy concept, the aesthetics of the facade were also convincing. This is characterised by the white solar elements. - © Watt d'Or — © Watt d'Or

In addition to the outstanding energy concept, the aesthetics of the facade were also convincing. This is characterised by the white solar elements.

The PlusEnergy house realised this year in Switzerland has won one of the Green Solutions Awards 2020-21. The prizes were awarded at the COP26 conference in Glasgow. Among other features, the jurors were impressed by the solar facade.

Architect René Schmidt has equipped a new apartment building in Männedorf, Switzerland, with all available solutions for regenerative energy supply. In addition to a facade made of reddish-brown solar modules, which was broken up with white solar elements, an innovative energy concept was implemented. This makes it possible for the residents to pay a flat rate for their entire energy consumption and thus to firmly plan their total energy costs.

Power generation exceeds consumption

This is because the facade alone supplies 50,000 kilowatt hours of electricity every year. Added to this are the yields from the modules on the roof, which generate another 40,000 kilowatt hours. In addition, the building was equipped with a small wind turbine that provides about 2,900 kilowatt hours of electricity every year. This compares to energy consumption in the form of both electricity and heat in the order of a good 75,500 kilowatt hours per year. This means that the building produces more than the occupants consume.

Hydrogen for the winter

To compensate for the volatile generation of the solar and wind power plants, a battery storage system was also installed. Surplus electricity, which is mainly generated in summer, is supplied to an electrolyser via the electricity grid. This produces hydrogen, which is used to supply the building with electricity and heat, especially in winter when there is a lot of heating but little solar power.

Don't miss any news about the development of photovoltaics for building integration. With our free newsletter you will always be up to date.

White solar modules brighten up the facade

This concept convinced the jurors of the Green Solultions Awards 2020-21. The CO2-neutral building won a recognition award, which was presented during the COP26 negotiations in Glasgow. Above all, however, they also appreciated the aesthetic implementation. This is largely determined by the white modules, which were produced with a special foil from the Swiss supplier Solaxess. Since the solar technology behind the foil becomes invisible to the observer, the modules can no longer be distinguished from passive white facade elements. (su/mfo)