PVSITES · Project

Ready-to-Install Solar Panels That Replace Windows, Roofs, and Facades in Buildings

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Imagine if your office building's windows, roof tiles, and wall panels could quietly generate electricity — without looking like a science experiment bolted on top. That's what PVSITES built: solar technology that replaces standard building materials, so the building itself becomes a power plant. They created see-through solar glass you can look through, curved solar roof tiles, and massive facade panels up to 4.5 by 2.5 meters — all tested at real demo sites across Europe. The goal is simple: buildings that meet near-zero energy requirements without sacrificing how they look.

By the numbers

18.7%

Compound annual growth rate of BIPV market

5.4 GW

BIPV installed worldwide between 2013 and 2019

16%

Module efficiency of see-through back contact solar cells

35%

Light transmission of see-through solar modules

10%-14%

Efficiency of CIGS modules for roofing and facade elements

4.5x2.5 m

Maximum dimensions of BIPV units with compatible framing

Consortium partners across 9 countries

75%

Industry partners in consortium

The business problem

What needed solving

Buildings account for a massive share of EU energy consumption, and the 2010/31/EU Directive requires all new buildings to be Nearly Zero Energy by 2020. Traditional rooftop solar panels are often impractical or architecturally unacceptable for commercial buildings. The BIPV market — estimated at 18.7% annual growth — has underperformed expectations because products lacked design flexibility, proven long-term reliability, and cost effectiveness.

The solution

What was built

The project built and demonstrated a full portfolio of building-integrated solar products: see-through solar glass modules (16% efficiency, 35% light transmission), curved CIGS glass elements, roofing tiles and facade elements (10%-14% efficiency in sizes from 0.5x1 m² to 1x2-3 m²), and XL-format framing systems for panels up to 4.5x2.5 meters. Two batches of prototypes were manufactured and installed at real demonstration sites.

Audience

Who needs this

Commercial property developers building to NZEB standardsFacade engineering and curtain wall companiesArchitecture firms specializing in sustainable designSolar panel manufacturers looking to enter the BIPV marketBuilding renovation contractors targeting energy retrofits

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Commercial Real Estate & Property Development

enterprise

Target: Property developers and building owners managing large commercial or office portfolios

If you are a property developer struggling to meet Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) regulations while keeping your buildings attractive to tenants — this project developed see-through solar glass with 16% module efficiency at 35% light transmission, plus facade panels up to 4.5x2.5 meters. These replace conventional building materials, generating renewable energy without rooftop arrays that clash with architectural design.

Construction & Facade Engineering

mid-size

Target: Facade manufacturers and curtain wall installers

If you are a facade contractor looking to offer energy-generating building envelopes — this project created and tested BIPV products including curved CIGS glass elements, large-area roofing and facade elements in sizes from 0.5x1 m² up to 1x2-3 m², and framing systems compatible with extra-large formats. These were manufactured and validated by a consortium with 75% industry partners, meaning the supply chain is already proven.

Architecture & Green Building Design

any

Target: Architecture firms and NZEB consultants specializing in sustainable buildings

If you are an architecture firm that needs to design buildings meeting the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2010/31/EU) — this project demonstrated a portfolio of building-integrated solar products from opaque panels to see-through glass with 35% light transmission. The 10%-14% efficiency CIGS modules come as roofing tiles and facade elements, giving you design flexibility without compromising energy performance.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does this technology cost compared to conventional building materials plus rooftop solar?

The project objective explicitly identifies cost effectiveness as a key market requirement they addressed, but specific pricing data is not published in the available deliverables. Based on available project data, the consortium included 10 SMEs and 12 industry partners focused on driving large-scale market deployment, which typically targets cost parity with conventional solutions.

Can these BIPV products be manufactured at industrial scale?

Yes — the consortium is 75% industry partners with 10 SMEs across 9 countries, and manufactured two full batches of prototypes for demonstration installations. Large-area elements were produced in sizes up to 1x2-3 m² and framing systems were developed for units up to 4.5x2.5 meters, indicating industrial-scale manufacturing readiness.

What is the IP situation — can I license or buy these products?

The project was an Innovation Action (IA) with 12 industry partners who developed specific products including CIGS roofing tiles, see-through back contact solar cells, and XL-format framing systems. IP is typically held by the developing partners. Contact the coordinator (TECNALIA, Spain) or specific manufacturers in the consortium for licensing or purchase.

Does this technology meet building safety and construction regulations?

Compliance with legal regulations was explicitly listed as a key requirement the project addressed. The deliverables include laminated glass units and products tested through indoor validation and test bench campaigns. Based on available project data, 62 total deliverables were completed covering testing and standards compliance.

How efficient are these solar building products?

The project data shows two clear efficiency levels: back contact solar cell modules at 16% efficiency with 35% light transmission for see-through applications, and CIGS modules at 10%-14% efficiency for roofing tiles and facade elements. These figures were measured and validated through the project's testing program.

How long until I can deploy this in my buildings?

The project ran from 2016 to 2020 and reached demonstration stage with two batches of prototypes installed at real demo sites. As a closed Innovation Action with heavy industry involvement (75%), many of these products are expected to be commercially available through the consortium's manufacturing partners.

Can these products interact with smart building energy systems?

Yes — the project objective specifically includes smart interaction with the grid as one of the key requirements addressed. The demonstrations included smart energy management alongside cost-effective renewable generation and reduction of energy demands.

Consortium

Who built it

The PVSITES consortium of 16 partners across 9 European countries is unusually industry-heavy at 75% (12 industry, 4 research), with 10 SMEs — signaling this project was built for market deployment, not academic output. Led by TECNALIA (Spain), one of Europe's largest applied research organizations, the partnership spans Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, and the UK, covering the major European construction and solar markets. The zero university involvement and high SME count mean the technology was developed by companies that need to sell these products, not just publish about them. This is a strong indicator of commercial readiness and an existing supply chain for building-integrated solar products.

FUNDACION TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATIONCoordinator · ES
CADCAMATION KMR SAparticipant · CH
WIRTSCHAFT UND INFRASTRUKTUR GMBH & CO PLANUNGS KGparticipant · DE
COMMISSARIAT A L ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESparticipant · FR
R2M SOLUTION SPAIN SLthirdparty · ES
FLISOM AGparticipant · CH
VILOGIA SAparticipant · FR
ONYX SOLAR ENERGY SLparticipant · ES
R2M SOLUTION SRLparticipant · IT
ACCIONA CONSTRUCCION SAparticipant · ES
NOBATEKparticipant · FR

How to reach the team

FUNDACION TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION (Spain) — a major applied research center. Contact their Energy & Environment division for BIPV product inquiries.

Order a report on this consortium See FUNDACION TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to the PVSITES manufacturing partners for your building project? SciTransfer can connect you with the right consortium member for your specific BIPV application — facade, roofing, or see-through glass.

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