For the conclusion of this week's topic of the week on building-integrated photovoltaics, we are in the sunny south of France:
In the southern French city of Aix-en-Province, a high school was equipped with a new sun protection system. However, this not only provides shade in the inner courtyard of the school complex. Rather, it also provides part of the power supply. Instead of using normal, semi-transparent glass, as is usual with sun protection systems of this kind, the canopy over the inner courtyard of the high school consists entirely of solar modules.
50 per cent transparency achieved
Semi-transparent modules supplied by Sonnenstromfabrik in Wismar were used to prevent the inner courtyard from being completely dark. Instead of the usual 60 cells per module, only 32 cells were laminated between the two glasses for the panels. This reduces the output, but at least half of the light reaches the inner courtyard and creates its own lighting atmosphere. In addition, the high school's photovoltaic inner courtyard is a clear signal of greater sustainability. (mfo)
Here, in case you missed them, are Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 of this week's series. Next week, we will go for a tentative explore of the cutting edge of solar technology.
