BERLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Berlin solar module manufacturer Soltecture (formerly Sulfurcell), together with its partners Vattenfall, Volvo, and A-hus, is setting new standards for sustainable construction with the Energy-plus House. Built for the One Tonne Life Project with the aim of reducing annual CO2 emissions per capita, the Energy-plus House is equipped with a heat storage system and 106 Soltecture thin-film solar modules made in Germany. The total rated capacity of the Soltecture thin-film modules amounts to 6.5 kilowatt peak (kWp).
Dr. Nikolaus Meyer, CEO and founder of Soltecture explains: “Here the solar modules become the architectural highlight. They are deployed as facade and roof elements and replace passive construction materials. That is building for the future. This is solar construction.” The PV system actually generated considerably more energy than is required in the home.
The conclusion after completion of the six-month project: the family managed to reduce their annual CO2 emissions from an average of 7 tonnes per head to 1.5 tonnes.
Solar construction with award-winning design
“The thin-film solar modules feature not only high yields but also an attractive appearance” explains Swedish star architect Gert Windgårdh. Soltecture’s thin-film modules have just been awarded the 2011 Dwell on Design Award for Energy, from America’s Dwell Magazine. Lightweight, roof-integrated SCG-HV-RI modules have been used which enable one-man installation. “The installation of the lightweight system on the roof battens is particularly easy and offers excellent design possibilities,” reports Christian Axelsson from A-Hus, the construction manager for the project.
The One Tonne Life Project
The One Tonne Life Project is a joint project from Vattenfall, Volvo, A-Hus and other partners. The proof that it is possible to produce a dramatically smaller CO2 footprint was provided by a Swedish family of four. Soltecture supplied the 111 thin-film modules required, which have a total rated output of 6.8 kWp. www.onetonnelife.com
About Soltecture
Soltecture (formerly Sulfurcell) is a spin-off from the Helmholtz Centre Berlin for Materials and Energy. With 250 employees, the company is now one of the world’s three leading manufacturers of thin-film solar power modules based on CIS semiconductors. Further information is available at: www.soltecture.de.
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