Photovoltaics specialist BELECTRIC OPV and construction paint and insulation system manufacturer DAW SE (Deutsche Amphibolin-Werke) have joined forces to work on the integration of cutting-edge organic photovoltaics (OPV) into different construction product-lines and their respective components. The department of Architecture, division Design and Energy-Efficient Construction, at the Technical University of Darmstadt, headed by Prof. Manfred Hegger, is advising the cooperation partners on issues relating to construction technology and design. The aim of the cooperation is to develop finished construction elements capable of generating electricity, thereby breaking new ground in the field of buildingintegrated photovoltaics. The development of these new elements will enable photovoltaics to be incorporated into construction projects without increasing complexity or workload and a uniform appearance may be created throughout the architecture. Moreover, the photovoltaic construction elements deliver greater functionality that would otherwise need to be provided by additional conventional construction parts.
The integration of photovoltaic components in buildings represents a step into the future, and the demand among system providers is correspondingly high. Accordingly the cooperation between DAW and BELECTRIC OPV is built upon this high level of interest. The organic photovoltaic components are integrated directly into the facade insulation systems produced by DAW, representing a further cornerstone in DAW's long-term sustainability strategy. In May 2012, DAW won the "Hidden Champion" SME prize awarded by German broadcaster n-tv in the Sustainability category.
"DAW has set itself the objective of assuming a pioneering role in the field of sustainability. The construction industry in particular offers a huge amount of potential through the use of energy-efficient product systems. As a result, this cooperation represents the ideal match for our longstanding, eco-conscious corporate philosophy," explains Dr. Helmut Plum, member of the DAW Executive Board responsible for R&D and Purchasing. BELECTRIC, the global market leader in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roofmounted photovoltaic systems, has continued its research and development work into organic solar panels under the name BELECTRIC OPV since October 2012. Alongside the new 'Solarte' range, the company is continuing to develop its 'Power Plastic' product line, which is primarily aimed at large-scale industrial applications.
"To date, solar power generated from buildings has been produced almost exclusively by roof-mounted systems. Generating solar energy via finished construction elements forming part of the building shell represents the next key step. BELECTRIC OPV has the technical know-how to provide the specially modified OPV components for the project. Our 'Solarte' line is the ideal product to integrate into high-quality construction products such as those produced by DAW. These products allow users to make an active contribution towards protecting the environment and also use the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic systems," adds Dr. Ralph Pätzold, CEO of BELECTRIC OPV GmbH.
About BELECTRIC OPV: BELECTRIC OPV GmbH is headquartered in Nuremberg, where it develops and manufactures organic solar panels, with a focus on their commercialization. Furthermore, BELECTRIC OPV conducts research and development in the field of module development, printing-related implementation, and product development, including for the integration of OPV modules into existing products. BELECTRIC OPV has two product lines: 'Solarte' for architects and designers and 'Power Plastic' for large-scale industrial applications. Products from BELECTRIC OPV are synonymous with innovation, quality, and design.
About DAW: DAW has been developing, manufacturing, and selling innovative coating systems since 1895. A fifth-generation independent family business based in the German city of Ober-Ramstadt, DAW has grown continually to become Europe's third-largest manufacturer of construction paints and has been the market leader in Germany, Austria, and Turkey for decades. The DAW Group is also the parent company of many well-known brands such as Alpina and Caparol. The DAW range encompasses high-quality paints, varnishes, glazes, and chemical construction coatings, along with facade and insulation technology materials. DAW is well-known as an innovation driver in the field of coating materials, thermal insulation, and structural protection, and as a quality leader in the area of sustainability.
About Professor Manfred Hegger and the Design and Energy-Efficient Construction Department at the Technical University Darmstadt: The Design and Energy-Efficient Construction Department at the TU Darmstadt is led by Prof. Manfred Hegger and is the world leader in the planning of Active Houses and the integration of energy-harvesting systems in the building shell. The department has twice won 1st prize in the 'Solar Decathlon', an international architecture and power engineering competition organized by the US Department of Energy. Professor Manfred Hegger is the author of many books on the subject of energy-efficient construction.
The integration of photovoltaic components in buildings represents a step into the future, and the demand among system providers is correspondingly high. Accordingly the cooperation between DAW and BELECTRIC OPV is built upon this high level of interest. The organic photovoltaic components are integrated directly into the facade insulation systems produced by DAW, representing a further cornerstone in DAW's long-term sustainability strategy. In May 2012, DAW won the "Hidden Champion" SME prize awarded by German broadcaster n-tv in the Sustainability category.
"DAW has set itself the objective of assuming a pioneering role in the field of sustainability. The construction industry in particular offers a huge amount of potential through the use of energy-efficient product systems. As a result, this cooperation represents the ideal match for our longstanding, eco-conscious corporate philosophy," explains Dr. Helmut Plum, member of the DAW Executive Board responsible for R&D and Purchasing. BELECTRIC, the global market leader in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roofmounted photovoltaic systems, has continued its research and development work into organic solar panels under the name BELECTRIC OPV since October 2012. Alongside the new 'Solarte' range, the company is continuing to develop its 'Power Plastic' product line, which is primarily aimed at large-scale industrial applications.
"To date, solar power generated from buildings has been produced almost exclusively by roof-mounted systems. Generating solar energy via finished construction elements forming part of the building shell represents the next key step. BELECTRIC OPV has the technical know-how to provide the specially modified OPV components for the project. Our 'Solarte' line is the ideal product to integrate into high-quality construction products such as those produced by DAW. These products allow users to make an active contribution towards protecting the environment and also use the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic systems," adds Dr. Ralph Pätzold, CEO of BELECTRIC OPV GmbH.
About BELECTRIC OPV: BELECTRIC OPV GmbH is headquartered in Nuremberg, where it develops and manufactures organic solar panels, with a focus on their commercialization. Furthermore, BELECTRIC OPV conducts research and development in the field of module development, printing-related implementation, and product development, including for the integration of OPV modules into existing products. BELECTRIC OPV has two product lines: 'Solarte' for architects and designers and 'Power Plastic' for large-scale industrial applications. Products from BELECTRIC OPV are synonymous with innovation, quality, and design.
About DAW: DAW has been developing, manufacturing, and selling innovative coating systems since 1895. A fifth-generation independent family business based in the German city of Ober-Ramstadt, DAW has grown continually to become Europe's third-largest manufacturer of construction paints and has been the market leader in Germany, Austria, and Turkey for decades. The DAW Group is also the parent company of many well-known brands such as Alpina and Caparol. The DAW range encompasses high-quality paints, varnishes, glazes, and chemical construction coatings, along with facade and insulation technology materials. DAW is well-known as an innovation driver in the field of coating materials, thermal insulation, and structural protection, and as a quality leader in the area of sustainability.
About Professor Manfred Hegger and the Design and Energy-Efficient Construction Department at the Technical University Darmstadt: The Design and Energy-Efficient Construction Department at the TU Darmstadt is led by Prof. Manfred Hegger and is the world leader in the planning of Active Houses and the integration of energy-harvesting systems in the building shell. The department has twice won 1st prize in the 'Solar Decathlon', an international architecture and power engineering competition organized by the US Department of Energy. Professor Manfred Hegger is the author of many books on the subject of energy-efficient construction.
