BERLIN--()--The 35-meter-long photovoltaic pavilion adds the finishing touch to the university campus of Potsdam University of Applied Sciences and is to be used as a space for social events, brainstorming ideas and presentations. The Odersun solar modules, which are just under 4 meter high and 1 meter wide, cover the whole building. Made from 25 mm-thick break-proof security glass, the PV modules act as façade elements and were specially developed and manufactured for this project.
The idea of integrating the green building concept into the redesign of the campus site was part of the project from the outset. Architects Ortner + Ortner Berlin developed this idea further in conjunction with students from the University of Applied Sciences and module manufacturer Odersun which specialises in solar architecture. The result is a symbiosis of sustainable architecture, functionality and efficiency – in short, a solar façade that not only generates power, but is also aesthetically attractive.
“In addition to high design standards for the solar modules, the project primarily called for flexibility with regard to size, design and construction of the PV solution,” says Manfred Ortner of Ortner + Ortner, explaining the challenging nature of the project. “Not only does Odersun produce a huge variety of modules, but they also showed themselves to be adaptable over the course of the project during which the requirements were continually changing,” he adds.
Odersun not only manufactured the project-specific modules, it was also involved in a supportive capacity in the electrical concept and the construction planning. Odersun’s CISCuT thin-film technology gives the architects the same design freedom similar to glass while at the same time allowing to achieve sustainable building goals.
“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to implement such a unique project with such a reputable partner,” says Dr. Hein van der Zeeuw, CEO of Odersun AG. “It gave us the chance to show how much flexibility is possible in the field of solar construction, and also the unusual module sizes that can be produced, without any compromises in terms of design and functionality,” he explains.
Thin-film solar modules such as those produced by Odersun are particularly suitable for use in building-integrated photovoltaics (BiPV), because they offer very good yields even in shade and at high temperatures, and even if they are not optimally aligned to the sun. New opportunities for Green Buildings based on a patented technology “Made in Germany” which unites innovation, quality and design.
About Odersun
Odersun AG manufactures customized solar modules which are particularly suitable for use in building-integrated photovoltaics (BiPV). Odersun’s solar modules are tailor made to customers' requirements using a proprietary, worldwide patented CISCuT thin-film technology “Made in Germany”. With their aesthetically pleasing appearance and exceptional ease of integration, they are ideal for use as construction elements in a solar façade.
ORTNER + ORTNER
MBM METALLBAU DRESDEN GMBH
ODERSUN AG
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50171621&lang=en
