The Impact of Solar Panel Facades on Sustainable Construction

Written by

Inemesit Ukpanah

Last updated

26 April 2024

Solar panel facades, also known as Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), are a cutting-edge approach to incorporating clean energy generation directly into the structure of buildings. Unlike traditional rooftop solar installations, BIPV systems are designed to blend seamlessly with the architectural elements of a building. They serve both as an energy source and a component of the exterior envelope.

Integrating solar facades into the construction industry marks a significant stride towards sustainable building practices.

Globally, the adoption of solar panel facades is rising as countries seek to meet their renewable energy targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the Netherlands, there is potential to install a capacity of a 58-gigawatt peak on suitable facade areas. This could significantly contribute to the country’s energy needs.

Similarly, in Belgium, hospitals are utilising BIPV solutions to generate substantial amounts of solar energy. 

They blend renewable energy generation with architectural aesthetics, making buildings not just structures but power sources, too.

As you delve into the details of solar panel installations and photovoltaic panels, this article will guide you through the intricacies of solar facades. From BIPV panels to the aesthetic incorporation of solar cladding into modern architecture, offering a comprehensive view of harnessing solar energy for more resilient and energy-efficient facades.

The Rise of Solar Facades in Modern Architecture

The world is amid an ‘unstoppable’ clean energy transition. With the demand for fossil fuels expected to peak before 2030, solar power is poised to play a pivotal role in the global energy mix.

Modern architecture increasingly adopts solar energy as a critical component of sustainable design. Integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems into the very skin of buildings—solar facades—is a testament to this trend. These facades are not mere embellishments; they are active, power-generating elements that contribute to a building’s energy needs while reducing its carbon footprint.

Global Solar Facade Adoption 

Moreover, it represents a groundbreaking integration of renewable energy and modern architecture, substantially reducing buildings’ carbon footprints while enhancing aesthetic appeal. 

This sustainable construction innovation generates clean energy and significantly cuts operational costs, marking a pivotal advancement in eco-friendly building designs worldwide. 

This integration is an intelligent solution for new builds and renovations, offering a return on investment through energy savings and increased property value. This is because projections highlight a significant growth trajectory for the BIPV market, with expected annual growth rates ranging from 17.2% to 22.9% over the coming years.

Types of Solar Facades

Solar panel facades are no longer limited to bulky, industrial-looking panels. Today, architects and builders have a treasure trove of options, empowering them to integrate solar energy into their designs seamlessly.

Here, we explore the diverse types of solar panel facades that empower architects and builders to align energy goals with design visions.

1. Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): BIPV systems integrate solar panels into the building envelope. They can replace conventional building materials in parts of the building envelope, such as the roof, skylights, or facades. BIPV systems not only generate electricity but also contribute to the aesthetic appeal and design of the building.
2. Solar Cladding: Solar cladding takes the concept of BIPV a step further by integrating photovoltaic cells directly into the building’s cladding material. This approach offers various colours and textures, allowing for greater design flexibility while generating electricity.
3. Transparent Solar Facades: Solar panels use see-through photovoltaic glass, making them ideal for solar windows and glass facades. They let in natural light while converting sunlight into electricity, balancing aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency.
4. Kinetic Solar Facades: Kinetic solar facades are an emerging technology where the solar panels can move to track the sun’s position, optimising energy absorption throughout the day. This dynamic system increases efficiency and adds a visually engaging element to the building’s design.
5. Solar Shingles and Tiles: Solar shingles and tiles are designed to look like traditional roofing materials while harnessing solar energy. They offer a seamless integration into the roofline, maintaining the traditional look of a building while providing the benefits of solar power.
6. Customised Solar Facades: Customized solar facades cater to specific design requirements. They can include unique shapes, colours, and configurations of solar panels. This type allows for maximum creativity, enabling architects to design signature buildings.
7. Solar Shading Systems: Solar shades or louvres are adjustable systems that generate electricity and control the sunlight entering the building. They improve indoor comfort and reduce the need for artificial lighting and cooling.
8. Ventilated Photovoltaic Facades: This system combines solar panels with a ventilated cavity, improving the thermal performance of a building. The gap between the solar panels and the building acts as an insulating layer, reducing heating and cooling demands.

Solar Facade Options and Characteristics

Benefits of Solar Panel Facades

Integrating solar panel facades in sustainable construction marks a significant step towards achieving energy independence and reducing carbon footprints. Let’s delve into the benefits of solar panel facades, highlighting their role in sustainable construction and how they contribute to a greener future.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Solar panel facades harness the power of the sun to generate electricity directly from the building’s envelope. They provide a continuous renewable energy source, reducing reliance on traditional power grids. This transition to solar energy can lead to substantial cost savings over time.

A study by TNO highlights the potential of solar facades in the Netherlands, where approximately 660 square kilometres of facade area could generate a capacity of the 58-gigawatt peak. To put this into perspective, the total solar power installations in the Netherlands in 2022 amounted to an 18.8 gigawatt peak. This demonstrates the immense energy production and cost reduction potential of solar facades.

For instance, buildings with solar facades can achieve energy savings of around 30-5 0%. This reduction in energy consumption directly translates into cost savings for homeowners and businesses alike.

In countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, homeowners can save between £13,000 and £45,000 over 20 years by adopting solar power. Furthermore, the innovative start-up Solarix has developed coloured solar panels that maintain an efficiency of 80-98% compared to traditional black panels. 

Aesthetic and Design Flexibility

One of the most compelling aspects of solar panel facades is their design flexibility. Customisable solar panels allow architects and designers to integrate solar technology without sacrificing the building’s aesthetic appeal.

This allows architects and designers to integrate solar technology into buildings without compromising aesthetic values. From rain screens and curtain walls to louvres, solar facades can be tailored to enhance the building’s appearance while generating clean energy. 

Customisable Solar Panels

Whether it’s adjusting the size, shape, or even the colour of the panels, solar facades offer a level of customisation that traditional rooftop panels cannot match. This customisation extends beyond mere aesthetics. 

For instance, panels facing east and west can capture sunlight in the morning and evening, reducing peak loads on the electricity grid. This strategic placement enhances the building’s energy efficiency while contributing to a balanced and optimised daily energy production.

Companies like Fly SolarLab and Solarix offer customised solar panels that can adapt to any shape, size, and colour, providing endless possibilities for creative facade designs.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of solar panel facades is one of their most compelling attributes. These systems significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional energy production by generating clean, renewable energy. 

The annual CO2 savings per square meter is 35kg. This reduction in carbon footprint aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promotes a more sustainable future for urban development.

Cost of Solar Facades

The cost of integrating solar panel facades into buildings is a critical consideration for architects, developers, and property owners. While the initial investment may seem substantial, the long-term savings and environmental benefits paint a different picture. 

On average, installing solar facades can cost around £770 per square meter. This figure can fluctuate based on factors such as the design’s complexity, the project’s size, and the specific technology used. For instance, a small consumer project may see costs as high as £1,000 per square meter due to economies of scale.

Initial Investment and Installation Costs

The upfront cost of installing solar panel facades varies by location and project scale. On average, UK installations hover around £25,000. Germany and Spain have slightly lower costs, at £22,000 and £23,000, respectively. With more extensive applications, the USA and China report average costs of £30,000 and £20,000.

The Solstex by Elemex, for example, offers panels that range from 263 watts to 470 watts per panel, with sizes and thicknesses that cater to different architectural needs​ (Elemex)​. This specificity in product offerings directly influences the initial cost, including materials and installation.

Long-Term Savings and Benefits

The adoption of solar facades can lead to long-term financial savings. UK buildings typically save around £3,200 annually on energy bills. German and Spanish projects enjoy annual savings of £3,500 and £3,600, respectively. In the USA, savings can reach up to £4,000, while China sees about £3,800.

Over time, these savings can offset the higher costs of solar facades. In addition, buildings with solar facades can benefit from increased property values by up to 4.5% due to their modern, eco-friendly features​. 

Return on Investment

Return on Investment (ROI) is a vital consideration. They replace conventional cladding materials and generate electricity, which can lead to energy savings and potential income through feed-in tariffs or net metering.

Despite the upfront costs, most solar facade projects begin to pay for themselves within 6 -10 years. The energy produced by the facade can offset the initial costs, making it a financially viable option in the long run.

Solar Facade Challenges

1. Initial Costs: The upfront investment for solar facades can be significant. While the long-term savings and environmental benefits are substantial, the initial financial outlay can deter some building owners.
2. Architectural Integration: Seamlessly integrating solar panels into building facades requires careful architectural planning. The challenge lies in balancing energy efficiency with aesthetic appeal.
3. Technical Expertise: Installing solar facades demands specialised skills. The workforce needs construction and solar technology training to ensure safe and effective installations.
4. Maintenance and Monitoring: Solar panels require cleaning to maintain efficiency. Dust, debris, and bird droppings can reduce solar gain. Regular maintenance, including at least annual cleaning, is crucial to sustain performance. Implementing systems to monitor energy production and panel health helps identify issues early. This proactive approach ensures optimal performance and longevity. Moreover, solar facades must endure local weather conditions. Design and material choices should reflect the need to withstand high winds, snow loads, and potential hail damage. 
5. Installation: Proper orientation and inclination are crucial for maximising solar exposure, while the structural integrity must support the additional load of the panels. Installation must consider wildlife, as birds can damage solar panel support tracks, affecting the system’s performance and durability.
6. Regulatory Hurdles: Each region has its unique set of rules governing the installation and operation of solar energy systems.

Navigating the regulatory landscape can be complex. Building codes, zoning laws, and solar incentives vary widely, requiring thorough research and compliance. For instance, the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) set guidelines that ensure structural and electrical safety and fire protection. Local amendments may tailor these codes to address specific environmental conditions or other regional factors. Installers must navigate these regulations diligently to avoid fines or project delays.

The Future and Projection of Solar Panel Facades

The future of solar panel facades looks bright, with innovations to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Bifacial solar panels capture sunlight from both sides, and transparent solar cells, which can be integrated into windows, are just the tip of the iceberg.

Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, China, and the United States lead the way, showcasing large-scale projects demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of integrating solar energy systems into building designs.

For instance, the table below shows estimated values based on current trends for whether solar cladding is installed in the building. 

These advancements promise to make solar panel facades more accessible and appealing, further cementing their role in sustainable construction.

Solar panel facades have transitioned from niche to mainstream, thanks to advancements in photovoltaic technology and architectural integration. Initially, solar panels were bulky and visually intrusive. 

Today, they blend seamlessly with building exteriors, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic. This is possible as Governments are offering incentives to encourage the adoption of solar panel facades. For example, the UK’s Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides a rebate for implementing renewable technology. These incentives, coupled with decreasing component costs and increasing cell efficiency, make solar facades attractive for new constructions and renovations.

As technology advances and more countries adopt supportive policies, we can expect these systems to become a staple in green building practices worldwide. With the added financial incentives, the future of solar panel facades looks bright, promising a more sustainable and energy-efficient world.