Designing solar modules: colours, shapes and structures for individual designs
Solar modules have developed into a freely designable building material and open up completely new possibilities for design and architecture. The design begins with a clear vision of the complete work – from the initial idea to the final implementation. In three steps, solar modules can be perfectly adapted to architectural concepts and harmoniously integrated into any building structure. In this way, modern photovoltaics combine innovative energy generation with aesthetic design.
1. Individual geometries for customised photovoltaic solutions
Whether rectangles, triangles, polygons, curves or arches – the shape of the solar modules can be freely selected and perfectly adapted to architectural concepts. The module dimensions range from 200 × 300 mm to an impressive 2400 × 4150 mm. Glass thicknesses of 2 to 12 mm per pane allow maximum flexibility in design and function. The standard size of 1669 × 999 × 8 mm is ideal for anyone seeking to optimise costs. In addition, various degrees of hardness, such as TVG or ESG, can be individually adapted. This not only makes photovoltaics efficient, but also an integral part of modern architecture.
Special forms
2. The printout determines the surface area of the solar modules.
When designing photovoltaic modules, the full spectrum of the material ‘glass’ is available. Surface structuring and coatings are just as possible as the deliberate use of reflections. The solar glasses ‘Fjord’ and ‘Crystal’ are the basis of most integrated solar modules due to their discreet structuring and maximum efficiency. This structuring ensures high light transmission and minimal glare.
A Mountain Lake
B Frost
C Fjord
D Crystal
E Glacier
F Creek
G Stream
K Ice Diamond
L Ripple
M Ice Molecule
O Seaside
3. The character arises from the colouring and intensity
Fine Line
The classic pinstripe look allows you to add highlights using technology. This design variant for solar modules is the most efficient in terms of both performance and costs.
Totally Black
Concealing the busbars (cell contacts) results in a discreet, completely black surface. The technology is only visible at second glance.
Translucent
Translucent solar module (translucent cell cavities) for open structures. The choice of cell spacing allows light transmission and performance to be balanced.
Fine Art
The colour scheme for solar modules is open. Solar modules can be designed with light pastel shades as well as with rich, earthy tones.
Two pioneering colour technologies for unique solar modules
Our two innovative colour technologies open up completely new possibilities for the design of solar modules.
SOLARCOLOR Classic
Thanks to the high colour intensity and excellent covering power, the cell structure remains invisible – transforming the building envelope into an aesthetic solar solution. On the other hand, those who prefer a modern, high-tech look can opt for lighter colour intensities while maintaining the output of a classic solar module of up to 210 Wp/m². SOLARCOLOR makes it possible to create individual designs: patterns can be designed and samples ordered directly at solarcolor.ch/classic. The SOLARCOLOR colors chart is also available online and offers a wide selection of colour options for solar architecture.
SOLARCOLOR Morpho
SOLARCOLOR Morpho uses an innovative, pigment-free coating to produce intense colours – without any loss of solar output. Thanks to targeted light refraction, only a narrow part of the light spectrum is reflected, while the majority of the light reaches the solar cell unhindered. The result: a brilliant colour impression with high angular stability and an impressive efficiency of up to 94% compared to conventional black solar modules. Experience solar aesthetics in perfection – find out more at solarcolor.ch/morpho.
No glare thanks to ZeroReflect+ for solar modules
The acceptance of photovoltaic systems among the population is already high – and can be increased further with innovative design and customised design options. ZeroReflect, developed in the Megasol design laboratory, is an advanced surface treatment that makes solar modules glare- and reflection-free, regardless of the installation angle, location or time of day. This technology is ideal for demanding applications where freedom from glare has the highest priority, whether in sensitive areas with strict regulatory requirements, at transport hubs or where there are individual aesthetic requirements.
