Integrated solar design in Copenhagen

Photovoltaic modules (solar cells) generate power on-site, operate for years and are completely silent. They function either as grid-connected panels integrated in the urban building design, or as autonomous off-grid power supply systems with battery back up. Long operation lifetime and general declining payback time for new developed PV-modules support a growing consumer interest.

Solar collectors (thermal solar energy) differ from PV-modules as they do not generate electricity, but supply heating for space and domestic hot water. Panels adequately exposed to solar radiation will heat an internal heat carrier, mostly water. The solar energy is than transferred to domestic hot water or a space heating system, whereby energy is saved.

Passive solar energy is the utilisation of integrated energy economic design of buildings by optimising incoming light and energy radiation. Despite the obvious environmental benefits, solar energy in all its forms, represent a flexible mean of supplementary energy supply, which can prove both economic and operational feasibility. PV-modules, thermal solar energy, and passive solar design are fundamental elements in integrated building design.