The BIPV research team of SUPSI, in partnership with SUNAGE, transformed the building facade into a solar-powered wall with high aesthetic value in the renovation of the Italian demo case of the REHOUSE project.
Photovoltaic glass, when used as a construction product, can revolutionize building facades by transforming them into solar energy generators. This innovative approach offers a unique pathway to align with the Renovation Wave and REPowerEU strategies, addressing the urgent need for sustainable, energy-efficient building renovations across Europe.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) technologies must meet stringent requirements under the EU Low Voltage Directive and the Construction Product Regulation to ensure safety, quality, and performance. To verify conformity with these standards, the BIPV team at SUPSI, in collaboration with the SUPSI PV Lab, provides cutting-edge support in validating and developing innovative photovoltaic components.
As part of the REHOUSE project, SUPSI’s role has been to assist industry partners in the development and validation of advanced BIPV products. Rigorous testing carried out in the SUPSI PV laboratories has ensured compliance with critical performance criteria. The photovoltaic glass modules offer impressive energy yields of 180-200 Wp/m² while maintaining optimal safety standards. Highlights of the validation include Hail Resistance: (Certified HW4 level, withstanding 35 mm ice balls at 97 km/h) and Fire Performance: (achieved a B-s1 d0 rating under UNI EN 13501-1 standards for reaction to fire).Additional testing is underway to evaluate the fire performance of complete façade systems, further solidifying the reliability of these innovative materials. Real-time monitoring will be implemented in the actual building to analyze its performance during operation. In collaboration with the University of Basilicata, this analysis will focus on energy production and structural aspects. The system is designed to ensure optimal conditions, including structural safety, by integrating seismic strengthening with energy efficiency enhancements for the building.
The Italian demo showcases how solar-powered facades can merge functionality and aesthetics, transforming building surfaces into high-performance energy systems while contributing to a greener and more sustainable built environment.
Authors:
Pierluigi Bonomo, Fabio Parolini (SUPSI)
Links: SUPSI, Solarchitecture
LinkedIn: Solarchitecture LinkedIn Page
