Solar Tiles
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
Category
Project Description
Pilot installation of Solar Tiles product delivers novel ways of photovoltaic modules integration into the built environment which can deliver high aesthetic quality and visually enhance target building without introducing the negative elements to the environment.
At the same time, it serves as a validation site for Solar Tiles product, validating its functional and sustainability characteristics.This installation is the last step in development leading towards commercialization of the product
Project Region
EU Programme or fund
Description of the project
Summary
This pilot project is validating the basic principles and characteristics of the Solar Tiles product.
Solar Tiles is an aesthetically pleasing integrated solar facade and roof system producing electric energy. It is developed by the company Nice Visions. It is specially designed for the areas where the design and visual impact are equally important as energy production. They are merging power production of the solar panels with the customization and ease of use of the traditional ceramic tiles. They are opening new areas for energy production which were previously untapped due to various reasons, e.g legal (monumental protection) or aesthetical (appearance of the PV modules is not compatible with the building).
Therefore design and delivery of the small-scale Solar Tiles installation on the pilot site in Lisbon is validating product in these areas:
- Suitability for the use in historical areas - by installation on the historical building
- Renewable energy production - by generating a useful amount of renewable energy consistent with our preliminary calculations
- Compliance with elementary sustainability, repairability and circular economy principles - by analyzing, calculating and demonstrating the positive environmental impact
- Seamless product building integration - demonstrating that the product is not introducing foreign elements to the building.
- Validation of the manufacturing and installation methods of the product - by successfully manufacturing and delivering pilot installation
- Validating scalability and transferability of the concept - by generating operational know-how exploitable during the commercialization of the product.
- Validating positive reception of the concept - we are registering positive public feedback from neighbours and passing pedestrians.
Pilot installation was developed in cooperation with the local architectural office Atelier Holcnerova.
Key objectives for sustainability
The key objective is to deliver functional products designed along with the elementary sustainability, repairability and circular economy principles and positive environmental impact. Additionally to demonstrate waste reduction during the manufacturing and installation process. Namely:
- Renewable energy production - Real-life power production output of the small scale pilot installation (100Wp) is consistent with our calculations that 1Wp of installed Solar Tiles in a similar configuration can generate 31MWh during its lifetime (based on the lifetime of 50 years) and with the estimated carbon footprint of 55.24 g.CO2/kWh (from production to disposal)
- Repairability and circular economy principles - Ensuring that all parts of the Solar Tiles system can be easily repaired/replaced on-site and recycled according to respective guidelines - compliance with PV Cycle, C&D and Aluminium recycling guidelines) allowing the return of the used material back to material flow. Repair methods were validated on-site.
- Manufacturing waste reduction - waste output was monitored and waste reduction methods were put in place.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The objective was to demonstrate that Solar Tiles' product can deliver high aesthetic quality and visually enhance target building without the introduction of the negative elements to the visually sensitive environment.
In the case of the pilot project - Solar Tiles' appearance was inspired by the local tradition of ceramic tiles “Azulejos” in combination with pixel art. While two different visual concepts, Solar Tiles are delivering aesthetically pleasing results which are blending with traditional decoration on the target building proving that visual expression of the Solar Tiles product is flexible enough to be integrated into various environments.
Solar tiles are not only preserving but also improving the quality of the urban environment while adding aesthetically pleasing decentralized renewable power production and creating a more robust electrical grid. Solar Tiles are creating positive interaction of citizens with renewable technologies.
Key objectives for inclusion
Not applicable
Results in relation to category
The pilot installation in Lisbon sufficiently demonstrated the ability to successfully blend technical requirements of renewable energy production with the integration of the new elements in the historical built environment. Additionally, it demonstrated the feasibility of the manufacturing methods and various installation processes. This pilot project was a last step in the Solar Tiles development. Therefore data and experience gained during the construction and operation of the pilot project will be used as a foundation for product commercialization in Q4/2021.
How Citizens benefit
In order to comply with the 2050 European decarbonization plan, approximately 97% of European building stock must be upgraded. More than 75% of the buildings are 30 years and older, requiring a specific approach to building renovation and Photovoltaic modules (PV) integration. PV integration needs to consider not only aesthetical but also legal aspects (e.g. monumental protection).
The Solar Tiles pilot project validated the ability of the product to blend in the historical and visually demanding environment. Solar Tiles are creating a paradigm shift in renewable energy production with the potential to impact the whole society by:
- Adding decentralized renewable energy production-resulting in the more robust electrical grid
- Green-house gasses reduction
- Preservation and visual enhancement of the built environment.
- Generating positive relationship with renewable energy
Innovative character
The pilot project in Lisbon demonstrates a new approach in the building integration of photovoltaics represented by the Solar Tiles system.
Instead of using large scale modules (one size fits all approach), Solar Tiles are combining scalable micromodules with functional graphical elements. Thanks to this approach, the pilot site demonstrates competitive energy production while offering a flexible customizable system with a wide range of customizable options and visual expressions suitable for visually demanding environments like historical city centres.
