EPFL’s new convention center is being equipped with an impressive glass façade composed of dye solar cells.
The first architectural integration of this technology is a new step in Romande Energie and EPFL’s partnership to develop a large-scale solar park and conduct research and development projects.
Transparent, colored solar panels, fruits of the Graetzel cell technology, are currently being installed on the west façade of EPFL’s future SwissTech Convention Center, scheduled to open its doors in April 2014. These 1,400 solar modules, each one 35 by 50 cm in size, will combine for a total surface area of 300 m2. The design, by artists Daniel Schlaepfer and Catherine Bolle, calls for 5 different shades of red, green and orange, giving the ensemble a warm, dynamic aspect.
This exterior solar window façade is a world first. The project leverages the potential of dye-sensitive solar cells known as Graetzel cells. In addition to being translucent, they’re indifferent to the angle of incidence of light that hits them; they can be deployed vertically without any loss in efficiency. They not only produce renewable energy, but they also shade the building from direct sunlight, reducing the need for air conditioning. This innovative solar installation is funded by Romande Energie, and will be operational in December 2013.
A first for exterior architectural integration
Dye-sensitized solar cells, invented in 1991 by EPFL professor Michael Graetzel, reproduce the principles of photosynthesis in plants. The photovoltaic glass panel covering the west façade of the SwissTech Convention Center is the world’s first exterior architectural integration of this cutting-edge technology. This visually compelling 300 m2 installation will be a demonstration of the potential of this kind of solar technology and the first step in their large-scale production and use.
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Solar Window
- Greenskies builds 7-project solar portfolio on New Jersey school district
Piscataway Township Schools partnered with Greenskies Clean Focus, a renewable energy solutions provider, to install a 1.67-MW rooftop solar portfolio in ...
- Harnessing Sunlight Like Never Before: Hemispherical Solar Cells Unleash Unmatched Absorption
New research suggests redesigning organic solar cells with a hemispherical shell structure to provide broader angular coverage, which is particularly beneficial for devices that need adaptable light ...
- Center for Rural Affairs Receives $62 Million Federal Grant to Provide Solar Power to Lower-Income Nebraskans
A federal grant of $62 million to the nonprofit Center for Rural Affairs in Lyons, Nebraska, will help build residential solar-power installations for ...
- Alpen to offer its multi-pane windows to other manufacturers
Alpen High Performance Products Inc. will double its manufacturing space and extend its triple- and quad-pane window materials to other window manufacturers.
- Swedish startup wins EU funding to print organic indoor solar panels
Epishine's organic solar panels harness indoor light to power electronics and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Solar Window
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Solar Window” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Smart window
- Kirby Smart shares why SEC transfer portal restrictions are a good thing for Georgia football
The spring transfer window was very quiet for the Georgia football program. The Bulldogs saw only two players depart the program, with Tyler Williams transferring to Minnesota and running back Andrew ...
- Matter adds support for microwave ovens, smart lighting scenes
The budding Matter smart home standard just added a slew of new features today, including the ability to take charge of smart ovens, cooktops, leak and freeze detectors, and water valves. Even better, ...
- Smart Money Is Betting Big In SEDG Options
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 50% leaning bullish and 43% bearish. Among these notable options, 10 are puts, totaling $1,052,947, and 6 are calls, amounting to ...
- Update your PC with Microsoft Office 2019 and Windows 11 Pro for less than $50
Pacific to grab lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2019 and Windows 11 Pro for just $49.97. No coupon necessary.
- Your Smart TV Might Be Attacking Your Windows PC: Here's How
No one expects their nice smart TV to start attacking their Windows PC. Here's how you can figure out if it's happening to you, and what to do about it.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Smart window
[google_news title=”” keyword=”smart window” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
