10 December 2024

The PV facade of the ‘Maison Climat’. An example of BIPV integration and cost-benefit optimization.

Photovoltaic facades (PV) are an innovative solution that combines energy efficiency with architectural aesthetics. However, they remain underutilized among private homeowners in Switzerland, accounting for only 1.3% of installations in 2023. Interest in these technologies is growing, driven by recent legislative initiatives. More architects and designers are recognizing their potential as an opportunity to create high-quality, sustainable, and technologically advanced buildings.

A standout example is the “Sol’CH” house in Poschiavo, already presented on our website (here) a model of innovation where both the roof and façades have been fully integrated with photovoltaic modules. This approach not only provides effective protection against the elements but also generates six times the building’s energy needs, with a tripled output during the winter months.

Another notable project, also published in Solarchitecture (here), is the “Maison Climat” in Biel, a 20-unit apartment building that exemplifies sustainability and affordability. Despite the incorporation of advanced technologies such as photovoltaic façades, rental costs remain accessible, proving that eco-friendly construction doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. In this case, photovoltaic modules, although not covering the entire available surface, optimize the cost-benefit ratio and offer a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.

These examples show how PV facades can combine energy efficiency and design, offering sustainable and innovative solutions for the future while harmoniously integrating into their surroundings.

We invite you to read the full article by Kaspar Meuli, which appeared in the October 2024 issue of SwissEnergy’s ‘Energy Magazine for Real Estate Owners’, available for download in the ‘Discover more’ section.