Request sample

Catalogue

Newletter

Vacancies

Contact

Downloads

Press

Privacy & Cookies

Solar facade panels

Solar roof panels

Our facade mounting system

Solar design collections

Products

Dimensions

The first non-binding advice on a project with an estimate of how much energy your facade can generate in a year.

Request a SolarCheck

How it works

Solar Design - A candy store of colours and designs for the facade.

Our Solar products

A candy store of colours and possibilities for the facade

View all colours and collections

Collections

Get inspired by the versatile possibilities

Coloured solar panels

Black solar panels

White solar panels

Terracotta solar panels

Metallic solar panels

Discover specific colours

Want to get started with Solarix solar panels right away?

Solar Design collections

Projects

Who are we

Our team

Resellers international

About us

Our mission

Energy transition

Sustainability ambitions

News

Frequently Asked Questions

News & resources

Solar facades: The beautiful source of solar energy in a sustainable city

High-rise buildings, abundant sunshine, and a willingness to make significant strides in greening construction practices—Dubai presents immense potential for integrated solar energy solutions. We&#039;re incredibly proud to have won the Emaar Innovation Challenge with our aesthetic solar facades!Out of the 209 submissions for the challenge, Solarix was selected among the 14 entities invited to the &#039;demo days&#039; in Dubai. It was a week-long program organized by EMAAR in collaboration with Wouter Truffino Global Proptech, showcasing the latest innovations and providing an opportunity for mutual learning and deeper engagement with Dubai.

What is the Emaar Innovation Challenge?Emaar is one of the largest real estate developers in Dubai, known for, among other things, the tallest building in the world and listed on the Dow Jones. Emaar launched the <a href="https://emaarinnovationchallenge.com/en/emaar/sustainability-challenge/brief">Innovation Challenge</a>. In the Sustainability challenge, the goal was to explore how buildings can be used sustainably towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and which goals are actually achievable. This includes daily energy consumption for the utilities of the building, production and transportation of construction materials, and a waste management system during and after construction.

Solarix pitched for this Sustainability challenge and, alongside Pininfarina, E.ON, WakeCap, OTTAN, Sablona, Vepa – Vertical Parking, Solcold, Zypho, Terrax, Vybe Construction, Recyclex, Basilisk Self-healing Concrete, and Desert Board, was selected for an international adventure in Dubai. It was a wonderful week full of inspiration and new opportunities guided by Wouter Truffino from <a href="https://www.globalproptech.online/">Global Proptech</a>.

A sunny wrap-upWe couldn&#039;t have ended the week better than by proudly receiving the Emaar Innovation Challenge award for the Sustainability category. At Solarix, we see tremendous potential in all high-rise buildings, where our aesthetic solar facades can generate a substantial amount of energy. The potential output, given the abundance of sunshine in Dubai, is tremendous.Interested in learning more about the possibilities of our aesthetic solar facades for project development? Reach out to our sales team at <a href="mailto:sales@studio-solarix.nl">sales@studio-solarix.nl</a>

Due to the energy transition, the demand for sustainable electricity is growing exponentially. But what happens when you, as a consumer, do not receive the desired power, or when solar energy producers are unable to feed their generated electricity into the grid? This leads to grid <a href="https://www.vemw.nl/Elektriciteit/Netwerken/Congestie.aspx">congestion</a>, or overloading of the power network. An innovative solution to this issue is the use of vertical solar panels, also known as facade solar panels. These panels are installed vertically on the facades of buildings and can help reduce the pressure on the power grid. Vertical solar panels: a solution to grid congestion According to <a href="https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/elektriciteitsnet-raakt-in-steeds-meer-wijken-overbelast-door-snelle-economische-groei~bd07d87a/?referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F">De Volkskrant</a>, “the demand for electricity is rising so rapidly that the power grid in more and more locations is becoming overloaded. As a result, some new users can no longer be connected.” In 2020, <a href="https://www.technischweekblad.nl/artikelen/tech-achtergrond/congestie-op-het-elektriciteitsnet">Het Technische Weekblad</a> also reported that “the capacity to transport electricity is insufficient in more than 250 areas of the Dutch grid.”Many of the current power cables cannot cope with the increasing demand for electricity. Installing new cables, however, can take up to seven years. Grid operator <a href="https://www.liander.nl/transportschaarste/beschikbaarheid-capaciteit">Liander</a> has even created an <a href="https://www.liander.nl/transportschaarste/beschikbaarheid-capaciteit">online map</a> showing where the network has reached its maximum capacity. This highlights the urgency of the issue. The Impact of Solar Energy on the Grid The growth of solar energy is contributing to the overloading of the grid. With the increasing demand for electricity, more solar panels are being installed on rooftops. However, solar energy production often does not align with consumption. According to the <a href="https://nos.nl/nieuwsuur/artikel/2427174-overbelast-stroomnet-raakt-bedrijven-en-woningbouw">NOS</a>, the Dutch power grid “cannot keep up with the transition to sustainable energy and electrification.” As the demand for electricity grows, more solar power systems are being installed, but the generation of energy and its consumption do not always coincide. This leads to grid congestion, which in turn slows down the energy transition. On sunny days, when demand is relatively low – for example, during holidays or weekends – this can cause peak loads on the grid. Standard flat-roof solar panels, typically installed at a 10-15 degree angle in an east-west configuration, generate peaks in energy production around midday. These peaks can overload the grid, particularly during the summer months. This issue can be alleviated by spreading energy generation beyond these midday peaks. How vertical solar panels ease grid strain According to our Solar Expert, Evert Bende, vertical solar panels installed on east and west-facing facades can reduce the midday peaks. The energy production peaks of vertical solar panels occur in the morning and afternoon, helping to ease the load on the power grid. Benefits of vertical solar panels<ul><li>Improved energy production in winter: Vertical solar panels generate relatively more energy during the winter, when electricity demand is higher. This is ideal for a future where heat pumps, mandatory from 2026, will increase energy needs during the colder months.</li><li>Distributed energy production peaks: The energy production peaks of vertical solar panels occur in the morning and afternoon, easing the load on the grid during the midday peak, when most flat-roof systems generate their highest output.</li><li>More efficient energy consumption: The energy produced by vertical solar panels aligns more closely with the consumption patterns of businesses and offices, leading to higher self-consumption and reduced strain on the power grid.</li><li>Favourable market prices: Vertical solar panels benefit from higher electricity prices during peak hours in the electricity market (EPEX spot). The production peaks in the morning and afternoon align better with these market prices.</li><li>Higher yields in winter: Vertical solar panels generate more energy during the winter months, when electricity prices are higher.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Why vertical solar panels are the future Installing vertical solar panels on building facades is a smart and sustainable solution to reduce strain on the power grid. However, this technology is still underutilised by governments and grid operators. If we continue with the current trend of flat-roof solar systems, grid congestion will increase, potentially causing harmful consequences for society. Vertical solar panels offer an opportunity to continue the energy transition without overloading the power network.Would you like to know more? Our Solar Expert Evert Bende is ready to tell you all about the benefits of vertical solar panels. </li></ul>

This blog was created with input from Evert Bende. Evert is a solar expert with a PhD in physics and years of experience in the PV sector. He combines technical knowledge with strategic insights, striving for the highest standards for Solarix products.

About Evert Bende

More news

News Article

News Articles

Blog

Reduce strain on the power grid with vertical solar panels on building facades

Last year, Solarix was honored to receive the PROVADA Proptech Award from Daan van der Vorm. Fast forward a year, our first collaboration is now a reality with the integration of design facade solar panels in the modular housing solution: <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://buurtboost.nl/">De BuurtBoost</a> Optopper.This plug-and-play solution for affordable sustainable housing on existing real estate is part of BuurtBoost. In February 2022, BuurtBoost teamed up with <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.burtonhamfelt.nl/">BurtonHamfelt Urban Architecture</a>, <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.datbouwsystemen.nl/">DAT Bouwsystemen </a>(VORM&#039;s timber factory, part of VORM&#039;s Smart2Prefab initiative), <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.theurbanjungleproject.com/">The Urban Jungle Project</a>, and Solarix.In just three months, they developed a complete prototype suitable for topping existing real estate. The result is &#039;the Optopper,&#039; now open for viewing at Sluishuis in IJburg, Amsterdam.What is the BuurtBoost Optopper?Building developer <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://vorm.nl/">VORM</a>, through the BuurtBoost initiative, launched a modular housing solution: the Optopper. It&#039;s a prefabricated, fully-fledged residential apartment made entirely from sustainably produced wood, equipped with a prefabricated bathroom and toilet. The Optopper aims to swiftly provide more affordable homes, applicable to nearly every (post-war) apartment building. It&#039;s designed as a flexible housing product for large-scale application, targeting various demographics, following a standardized methodology.

Strategic Manager - BuurtBoost

“Housing associations and municipalities know what needs to be done: take action, push forward, and rapidly expand the housing supply with affordable, sustainable, and attractive homes, thereby giving the neighborhood a &#039;boost&#039;. The Optopper is one of the unique products from BuurtBoost within our comprehensive approach that provides a solution for this.”

Sustainable and Nature-Inclusive with Solar DesignThe Optopper is prefabricated using sustainably sourced wood by DAT Bouwsystemen, VORM&#039;s wood factory. These modular homes come with a prefab bathroom and toilet by Smart2Prefab, another VORM initiative, and are adorned with a solar panel facade by Solarix. The Urban Jungle Project adds a green rooftop garden to the Optopper, creating space for birds, bees, caterpillars, and other insects.

Solar Design Facade Panels in the OptopperSolarix Solar Design panels are incorporated into the facade of the Optopper. Depending on the type of dwelling, between 14 m2 and 26 m2 of active facade solar panels are installed. Each home is finished with matching custom dummy corner panels. The houses have an average production of 1800 kWh, meeting the consumption of a standard terraced house. As a result, the energy label of the residence is an impressive A++++, the most efficient and green rating.With the energy generated, a resident can save between €1080 - €1900 per year (calculated at the current energy price of €0.60) on the energy bill. By generating energy in the facade, the roof space offers further possibilities for sustainability, such as a green roof.Solarix Solar Design panels not only contribute to the energy generation of the house but also align with BuurtBoost&#039;s objective of aesthetically upgrading existing neighborhoods. For the Optopper, designs from the <a href="/en/collection">Dot Collection</a> were chosen: a blend of gray tones with depth visible from both near and far. These gray tones complement the architect&#039;s desire for a serene, subdued color that matches the anthracite colors in the exterior of the home.We take pride in the outcome and the wonderful collaboration. The BuurtBoost Optopper with integrated Solarix Solar Design facade solar panels represents a significant step towards beautiful and efficient cities.For more information about this project: <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://buurtboost.nl/">De BuurtBoost</a>Photography: Michel Kievits and Marijke Krekels

Meer nieuws

Solar design facade panels applied in the BuurtBoost Optopper by developer VORM

At the heart of Amsterdam, the vacant Hudson&#039;s Bay department store is being transformed into the new headquarters for the online payment platform, Adyen. The matte black solar panels, specially designed by Solarix, are part of the sustainability initiative for this monumental building.Adyen is redeveloping the two newly available Rokin buildings and the historical Vleeshal behind them in collaboration with contractor Van Wijnen, interior design agency Tank, architecture firm Rijnboutt, project organization SGS, real estate manager CBRE, and technical service provider ENGIE.Circular constructionThe sustainable and circular vision of Adyen takes center stage in the redevelopment of this historical property, aligning well with Solarix&#039;s vision to accelerate the energy transition.One of Adyen&#039;s primary objectives is to maximize the use of existing materials. According to site director Wesly Verhaert, <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.adyen.com/">Adyen</a> is aiming for a &quot;BREEAM certification ranging from Very Good to Excellent, a quality label for minimal environmental impact during both the construction and operational phases.&quot;In addition to reusing materials, Adyen sought to generate energy with one of the three new office buildings. Roy Leegwater, project manager at <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.engie.nl/">ENGIE</a> Services West, explains, &quot;By installing solar panels and redesigning the restaurant kitchen, Rokin 49 and the Vleeshal will become gas-free buildings.&quot;Considering the historical nature of the buildings, such as the old Vleeshal, conventional rooftop solar panels were not feasible. Therefore, Architect <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://rijnboutt.nl/">Rijnboutt</a> and ENGIE opted for an aesthetic solution using Solarix&#039;s design solar panels.

Aesthetic Sustainability with Black Solar PanelsAdyen&#039;s sustainable and circular vision aligns perfectly with our own <a href="/en/who-are-we">vision</a>, but at Solarix, we add an aesthetic dimension to it. Together with architect Rijnboutt, the decision was made not to opt for &#039;conventional&#039; black solar panels but rather a color that blends in with the existing roofing. For the Adyen headquarters, Solarix has specifically developed matte black energy-generating solar panels that match the color of the anthracite-gray roof tiles.The aesthetic color requirement was not the only beautiful design challenge; we also worked on the panel dimensions. These had to correspond with the existing framework&#039;s dimensions. For this purpose, Solarix developed specific panel dimensions.From a circularity and sustainability perspective, the old office buildings are optimally transformed into the Adyen headquarters, featuring Solarix&#039;s energy-generating solar panels that are not only effective but also add an extra design dimension to the old monumental building.For more information, you can also refer to contractor <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.vanwijnen.nl/">Van Wijnen</a>, interior design agency <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://tank.nl/">Tank</a>, and real estate manager <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.cbre.nl/">CBRE</a>.

Matt black solar panels for Adyen headquarters.

Solarix has won the Emaar Innovation Challenge