Winter power with PV facades
Solar facades are often overlooked when it comes to photovoltaic systems. However, they not only offer consistent power production throughout the year, but also unique architectural design possibilities. Thanks to their vertical orientation, they make optimal use of the low winter sun and generate energy reliably – even when there is snow.
Photovoltaic facades do not hibernate
No matter which system is right for you, the following applies to all PV facades:
- Optimal use of the low sun: modules installed vertically benefit particularly from the low angles of incidence that occur in the winter months.
- Efficient power generation in the morning and evening hours: Depending on their orientation, they ensure higher yields in the off-peak hours – both in summer and in winter.
- No loss of yield due to snow: solar facades generate energy without restriction even when covered with snow. Reflecting the snow can even increase output.
Case study: solar roof vs. solar facade
A comparison shows the key figures for a PV facade and a roof-mounted system. Solar modules of the type NICER X were used for the calculation, which are suitable for both roof and facade installations.
| Solar roof | Solar facade | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of solar modules | 40 | 40 |
| Installed capacity | 16 kWp | 16 kWp |
| Electricity production | 15 600 kWh / year | 12 666 kWh / year |
| Personal consumption | 28% | 34% |
| Assumed power consumption | 11 200 kWh / year | 11 200 kWh / year |
| Grid feed-in | 11 292 kWh / year | 8 339 kWh / year |
source: solarapp.ch
The solar roof delivers more yield
During the summer months, the roof system generates significantly more energy than the solar facade. In the winter months (October to March), 25.7% of the annual electricity production (4 013 kWh) is generated, while the remaining three quarters are generated in the sunnier months. Since the electricity generated does not directly match consumption, a large proportion is fed into the public grid.
The solar facade increases self-consumption
The solar facade (south-east and south-west facing) generates 11 200 kWh of electricity per year, less than the roof system, but it is distributed more evenly over the year. In the winter months, it produces 5 708 kWh, which is significantly more than the roof system.
45.1% of annual production occurs during the winter months – an advantage for buildings with a constant energy demand. This results in a higher proportion of self-consumption. Any surplus solar power generated is consumed in real time in the connected buildings, thus reducing the cost of purchasing electricity from the public grid.
The economic efficiency of photovoltaic systems
In addition to the yield, the economic efficiency plays a central role in the selection of the optimal solar system. Since surplus solar power is often fed into the grid at low rates, a high level of self-consumption is particularly advantageous. Solar facades offer a clear advantage here, as they generate more electricity precisely when the energy demand is highest.
Amortisation period
In a direct comparison, the roof system pays for itself more quickly (7 instead of 10 years) because it generates more electricity per year. However, a PV facade is particularly worthwhile for buildings with high energy requirements in winter or limited roof space.
Curious to know whether a PV facade would be profitable at your location? Simply create your own individual preliminary project with a layout and cost-benefit analysis at solarapp.ch.
Solar facades from Megasol: a combination of aesthetics and efficiency
Megasol offers a range of solutions for solar facades, from individually manufactured modules for demanding architectural projects to standardised solutions for cost-effective implementation. With FAST, MATCH Slate and NICER X, Megasol offers a range of versatile system solutions for PV facades that are suitable for office buildings, halls and residential buildings. Depending on the requirements, standard modules or individually designed solar modules can be integrated.
FAST facade system: innovative building-integrated photovoltaics
Megasol's FAST facade system provides the basis for a modern, back-ventilated solar facade of high aesthetic quality. Its greatest advantage is its customisability: the solar modules' size, shape, surface structure and color can be flexibly adapted to architectural requirements.
Example of Segantinistrasse. Caption: Apartment building in Zurich with FAST PV facades and rooftop photovoltaic system.
Design: full-surface coverage, fully customised
Individual design: maximum freedom of color, shape and size
Technology: individually manufactured modules
Fields of application: prestige projects with special requirements
Price level: depending on the project
MATCH and NICER X: standardised solar facade systems from Megasol
Not every solar facade requires individually manufactured modules. For standard solutions that can be implemented efficiently, Megasol offers the MATCH Slate and NICER X systems, which can be easily integrated into a wide range of building concepts.
MATCH Slate: Traditional facades
The MATCH Slate solar modules are installed with an overlapping pattern and can be arranged in both straight rows and offset rows. Combining different sizes allows for a particularly individual design.
Design: overlapping appearance in the colors Creek Granite or Fjord Totally Black
Individual design: limited customisation options
Technology: high-performance solar modules
Areas of application: aesthetically demanding and listed buildings
Price level: mid-range price segment
NICER X: For rectangular surfaces
NICER X offers a frameless module in a standard size in the Totally Black design. They are mounted flush to create a uniform, smooth surface. The Totally Black design ensures an elegant, continuous facade appearance that only hints at its technology. The translucent version is ideal for carports, hangars or non-insulated rooms.
Example: detached house in Oberwil. Caption: A combination of FAST and NICER X modules in totally black.
Design: standard modules, full-surface ‘translucent’ modules that allow partial light transmission
Individual design: limited customisation options
Technology: high-performance solar modules
Applications: standard projects with rectangular surfaces
Price level: focus on cost-effectiveness
Conclusion
Solar facades combine high energy efficiency with architectural aesthetics. While they can compete with roof systems in summer, they show their strengths particularly in the winter months, when they produce electricity more consistently and allow for higher levels of self-consumption.
Whether you are building a new building or renovating an old one, with FAST, MATCH Slate and NICER X, solar facades can be flexibly integrated into any building. Take advantage of the consistent power production, higher self-consumption and architectural design possibilities. A detailed analysis of your location is possible with just a few clicks at solarapp.ch.
