Masdar PV provides modules for BIPV (Building-integrated photovoltaics) façade

Masdar PV, a manufacturer of extralarge thinfilm PV modules, has now supplied PV modules for installation on a building façade for the first time. This PV façade solution has been realised in cooperation with Gehrlicher Solar AG, which recently presented this new type of façade system at Intersolar. The system is based on the proven gehrtec mounting system.

The test façade is composed of a total of 80 modules, each with a size of 1.4 square meters, with a nominal power of 7.1 kWp. To give the façade a harmonious appearance, 16 semitransparent dummy modules have also been installed. This lends the façade a homogeneous and holistic appearance without obscuring the natural lighting of the rooms. The façade was built up by the company Jako Bau- und Verputz GmbH on its own office building, where it is designed to serve as a test installation for this new type of system.

This solution presents a number of advantages for customers. On the one hand, the façade surface is used to generate electricity and hence generates continuously electricity for the system owner. On the other hand, solar modules integrated into the façade improve the thermal insulation, provide advanced weathering protection for the building envelope and improve the sound proofing by around 25 decibels. Furthermore, the solar façade significantly enhances the appearance of the building and highlights a fundamental ecological idea.

Furthermore, the façade also enables the modules from Masdar PV to show off their strengths - since thinfilm modules generate a high electricity yield even if they are not perfectly oriented, thus ensuring that customers receive outstanding value for money.

"We are happy about this pilot project with Gehrlicher for joint testing of a façadeintegrated PV solution. This type of installation enables us to tap into an attractive, new market segment that offers major potential", says Frank Wouters, CEO of Masdar PV. Klaus Gehrlicher, CEO of Gehrlicher Solar AG, adds:

"Thanks to our excellent working relationship with Masdar PV, we succeeded in implementing the pilot project highly professionally and within a very short time."

Both project partners are also envisaging the possibility of also using the rail system for the large 5.7 m² fullsize solar modules from Masdar PV and to further expand their cooperation in doing so.

About Gehrlicher Solar AG

Gehrlicher Solar AG is a photovoltaics company, which was founded in 1994 by CEO Klaus Gehrlicher. As system integrator, the company plans, constructs, finances and operates photovoltaic plants. Furthermore, as a wholesaler, Gehrlicher Solar AG also offers solar modules as well as components developed by the company itself; these range from cables to substructures. The company also plans, sets up and manages photovoltaic funds or private placements for investors. As an internationally oriented company, Gehrlicher Solar AG currently has 260 employees at two locations in Germany - Neustadt near Coburg and Dornach near Munich as well as subsidiary companies in Italy, Spain, Greece, France, Czech Republic, Slovakia and in New Jersey /USA.