Overview
The implementation of Energy Strategy 2050 will change cityscapes and landscapes. To drive the transformation of the building stock to the necessary extent, we will have to increase the acceptance of solar technology in building renovations, particularly in design and visual aspects. In its 2019 status report on the state of the building stock, the International Energy Agency refers to a "diffusion gap", i.e. the discrepancy between highly developed technology and the low level of implementation (IEA 2019)*. According to the IEA, there is a need for systemic and collaborative innovation and knowledge transfer to contribute to the active dissemination of technologies.
It is, therefore, essential to exploit as much of the realisable potential of photovoltaics on building envelopes as possible. This includes offices, infrastructure, industrial buildings, and buildings in city centres, often situated in sensitive environments. However, the usual black solar modules rarely fulfil the requirements of townscape or landscape protection. They appear technoid and uniform in shape and colour, creating an unwelcome contrast to their surroundings and are rarely accepted. One way out of this dilemma is translucent ceramic printing on the cover glass of solar modules, which can be colour-matched to the surroundings. However, printing is accompanied by electricity efficiency losses and higher production costs because the current processes for colour determination in the construction process could be more suitable and involve many iteration stages to date.
The Solar Design Tools project offers a solution to this, as the design strategy of optical colour mixing is promising in the context of ceramic printing on photovoltaic cover glass: a planning and design tool is being developed with which the sampling time can be significantly reduced, and statements can be made about the aesthetics and the expected energy efficiency. As a further design method, modular principles offer customised and time-saving adaptations to existing buildings. Modular, repeatable surface concepts for visible solar installations are being developed with the application partners, allowing them to adapt and implement customised form and colour concepts to the surroundings, optimise them in terms of time and costs and test them for acceptance. Dyeable rock wool insulation materials, combined with solar modules, is also being tested.
* see also IEA (December 2019): Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2019. Towards a zero-emissions, efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector. www.iea.org/reports/global-status-report-for-buildings-and-construction-2019 [accessed January 30, 2023]
