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In this pilot project, concerning a 1859 rural house, were used coloured (terracotta) photovoltaic modules developed by the CSEM of Neuchâtel specifically for sites protected...
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Rural House Galley
  • Address
    Route du village 50, 1730 Ecuvillens, Switzerland
  • Location
    46°45’30” N | 7°04’56” E
  • Altitude
    689 MAMSL
A pilot project

In this pilot project concerning a 1859 rural house coloured (terracotta) photovoltaic modules developed by the CSEM of Neuchâtel were used specifically for sites protected at the level of cultural heritage. This application demonstrates that the energy transition is not happening to the detriment of architectural quality, even better this project successfully overcame the ultimate barrier (aesthetics) to a widespread deployment of solar technologies.

27.2 kWp PV installation made of clay coloured modules. Source: Solstis SA.

Building characteristics
  • Building typology
    Residential
  • Construction type
    Retrofit
  • Year of construction
    1859, retrofit 2018
  • Energy reference surface
    250 m²
  • Energy index
    63 kWh/m²a (heating and electricity)
  • Energy labelling
    –
Energy
  • Active Solar surface
    262 m² (roof)
  • Active Solar surface ratio
    > 75% (roof)
  • Peak power
    27 kWp
  • Building skin 
    Solar tiles
Energy production
0
kWh
(Solar-Log)
Self-consumption
Energy
49%

Solar-Terra PV modules were developed to replace the traditional terracotta roofs
on historic buildings. Source: Patrick Heinstein, CSEM.

BIPV module
  • Product
    Solrif® XL as laying system (the PV tile is no longer available)
  • Manufacturer
    n/a
  • Cell technology
    Mono-crystalline
  • Front glass type/customization
    Layer of colour applied on the inner side of the textured front glass
  • Cell colour
    Terracotta, semi-matt
  • Dimensions
    1530×542 mm
  • Power
    90 Wp
  • Specific power
    120 Wp/m²
Technical details

The roof has been completely renovated. The insulation layer, as well as the underlayment of roof cover were replaced. The classic terracotta tiles have been swapped for photovoltaics tile also of terracotta colour. Visually this new product is quite similar to standard tiles.

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Projection
Hotspot image
Parties involved
  • Owner
    Alexandre Galley
  • Architect
    Lutz architectes
  • Photovoltaic installer
    Solstis SA
  • Scientific and technical management
    CSEM SA
  • Photo
    Solstis SA and Patrick Heinstein, CSEM
Awards and recognitions
  • Schweizer Solarpreis 2018
  • Sponsor
    Swiss Federal Office of Energy, Canton of Fribourg, Üserhuus AG, Solstis SA
  • Acknowlegments
    Interreg V-A “BIPV meets History”

     

    Operation co-financed by the European Union, European Regional Development Fund, the Italian Government, the Swiss Confederation and Cantons, as part of the Interreg V-A Italy-Switzerland Cooperation Program for the Project “BIPV meets history. Value-chain creation for the building integrated photovoltaics in the energy retrofit of transnational historic buildings” (ID n. 603882).

Installation of the photovoltaic tiles. Source: Solstis SA

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