Press Releases

Energy for Life — Organic Photovoltaics Opens up New Architectural Opportunities

Published

9 years ago

June 2, 2015

Deutscher-Pavillon-Expo-2015-Membrandach-und-Solar-Tree

Imagine a building with facades and roof structures that generate energy and light up in the dark — such a Smart Building becomes reality through the use of Organic Photovoltaics (OPV). The integration of OPV in the architecture of buildings can be experienced at the German Pavilion during the Expo 2015 in Milan. The OE-A (Organic and Printed Electronics Association) visits Milan Expo 2015 in the course of its General Assembly.

Country Pavilions Integrate Organic Photovoltaics in Architecture
The pioneering OPV technology is impressively presented to a broad international audience at the intelligently designed German Pavilion, during the Expo 2015 in Milan. The use of flexible OPV is uniquely integrated in its archtiecture as solar modules are placed on the pavilion’s membrane roofs and solar trees for harvesting energy during the day, which is used for illuminating the pavilion at night. The organic solar cells, developed and produced by OE-A members Belectric OPV, Merck, and Heraeus, make economical use of resources and space. This is just one excellent example of a self-sufficient energy installation through the use of OPV. A manifold of new product opportunities arises, ranging from small charging devices integrated in bags or clothing and solar cells on car rooftops, to entire building facades.

"The Expo 2015 is a unique opportunity to globally share the numerous benefits and success factors of Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) and Smart Buildings. It is a great example of how organic and printed electronics provides sustainable solutions to current energy challenges," said Dr. Stephan Kirchmeyer, Chairman of the OE-A Board, Heraeus.

Also the Belgian Pavilion makes use of OPV in its architecture. Organic photovoltaic modules are integrated in the glass facades by OE-A member Heliatek and serve both as building envelope material and power generator.

Organic Photovoltaics and Smart Buildings — Special Topic OE-A General Assembly
End-users, manufacturers as well as technology providers give an overview of new developments and application possiblities of OPV during the OE-A General Assembly. The meeting of the international community is hosted by member SAES Getters and takes place from June 9-10 in Lainate / Milan.

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