Photovoltaic modules are generally used in country sites which have no electricity net or for street furniture. The innovative is to use PV technology for urban area electricity uses. The payback time is very long, but the project anticipates the future improvement of PV technology. This contributes to the development of the photovoltaic market.

The 48 m² photovoltaic panels (108 modules) are integrated in the common area glass roof which previously was overheated. The orientation is west, the horizontal inclination is 29^o, and the total power is 5.4 kWc.

A lot of solutions have been simulated for the integration of the modules on the building.

The PV panels fulfil two requirements, a better production (4,200 kWh yearly) and to treat the overheating through a partial occultation.

This solution is an optimisation between photovoltaic production, natural lightning in common areas and reduction of overheating. The PV panels’ situation is actually a compromise between the better production (4,200 kWh yearly) and the overheating through a partial occultation of the sunlight.

Supplier of PV modules:
Photowatt International manufactures custom-designed PV-systems, both with and without grid connection.

Photowatt International
35 rue Saint Honoré
ZI Champ Fleuri
F-38300 Bourgoin
Phone: +33 4 74 93 80 20
Fax: +33 4 74 93 80 40
e-mail: marketing@photowatt.com
www.photowatt.com