# Visually appealing solar modules as architectural elements in building façades

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/visually-appealing-solar-modules-architectural-elements-building-facades/
- Published: 2018-04-17T00:35:02-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) and Metropolia University of Applied
Sciences are partnering for opportunities on Solar. They want to extend integrating
visually attractive solar modules. These modules built into architecture of building
facades. Also, theY insist on a commercialization routes based on the circular economy.

VTT has developed a mass production method. Based on printing technologies they 
manufacture patterned organic solar modules. The method enables freely customised
solar modules. This meets architectural requirements of buildings. In addition, 
they add value to their visual appearance and generate energy.

##### First off, Organic solar modules can form even visually attractive multicolored graphical images. Thinness and flexibility allows the solar modules being integrated in glasses or being adjusted to conform on a freeform surface in building facades. As well, the solar modules also serve as intelligent interior surfaces. They collect energy from indoor lighting too. Thereby lighting devices such as sensors. Sensors that gather information from the surrounding environment. This is as part of internet of things applications.

![Visually appealing solar modules as architectural elements in building facades](
https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_4425.jpg?resize
=780%2C533&quality=52&ssl=1 "Visually appealing solar modules as architectural elements
in building façades - The Green Living Guy")

PES Architects is one of the project partners. PES designed [innovative building façade concept](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/07/filtro-vivo-the-innovative-plant-wall-concept/).
Concepts where solar modules are symbolizing ice crystals through Chinese calligraphy.
Therefore, integrating design into the modules brought into glass facades. This 
concept was winning proposal in design competitions of the Sino-Finnish Congress
Centre in Nanjing, China. It also received the Special Award for Innovation of the
Architectural Review MIPIM Future Project.

Functionality of the glass façade concept being demonstrated in LIWE facades project.
In addition, a flexible intelligent solar shade system with Artic Kaihdin Oy .

“Due to energy efficiency requirements, solar shading solutions will be an essential
element of building in the future. Combined with collecting energy from sunlight,
this will take us very far along the road to energy-efficient construction,” says
Jarno Ahtonen, CEO of Artic Kaihdin Oy.

In addition, using coated materials on flexible and rigid surfaces.  Coupled with
exploring together with Optitune Oy. That’ll improve the usability and maximize 
performance.

“Optical performance, protection against abrasion and impurities are essential properties
to guarantee the long-term efficiency of the solar modules,” says Ari Kärkkäinen,
CTO of Optitune Oy.

In LIWE façades project, new business opportunities and commercialization routes
explored.

Finally, for PES Architect’s competition entry: [http://pesark.com/sino_finnish.html](https://pesark.com/sino_finnish.html)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
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