“Solar Visuals photovoltaic films” by UNStudio / UNSense, image/information source: UNStudio
Solar Visuals offers printable photovoltaic (PV) films developed through a collaboration involving UNStudio’s UNSense, TS Visuals, and TNO, focusing on aesthetic, energy-generating building facades. unstudio+1
Overview
Solar Visuals produces customizable BIPV panels that integrate solar cells with full-color printed overlays, mimicking materials like brick or stone while generating power. Founded in 2018, the technology stems from EU-funded projects like Construct-PV and DSD-PV, enabling seamless blending of renewable energy into architecture.unstudio+2
These panels achieve up to 85% energy efficiency compared to standard non-printed PV, with capacities around 220 Wp per panel, using a patented dot-pattern printing method to balance visuals and sunlight penetration.solarvisuals+1
Key Features
- Custom Design Freedom: Panels support varied sizes (e.g., 1000×2000 mm), patterns, colors, and graphics, from monochrome to photographic prints, with 15-30% visual coverage for optimal yield.publications.tno+1
- Efficiency Specs: Modules like 72-cell versions yield 120-140 Wp at 30% coverage; fully laminated for durability in facades.[publications.tno]
- Applications: Used in projects like Shell’s Amsterdam HQ and BAM’s Bunnik headquarters, transforming facades into energy assets.unstudio+1
UNStudio/UNSENSE Role
UNStudio’s arch-tech arm, UNSense, leads commercialization of Solar Visuals as a flexible facade material via the Dutch Solar Design consortium, partnering with ECN/TNO, TS Visuals, Aldowa, and others.dbz+2
This aligns with sustainable urban design, ideal for eco-innovative retrofits or new builds in your architecture work.[unstudio]
