Slender modules Schüco ProSol TF in practice – implementation with an installed power of 2.23 kWp

The facade of every building is to some extent a reflection of its time. Current trends, investor interests, architects' visions, as well as legal requirements and possibilities in construction are expressed in it. It is therefore no surprise that recently very interesting structures have been emerging, which are not only impressive to look at, but also meet the demands of functionality and environmental consideration. Schüco, the world leader in building envelopes and solar systems, is increasingly involved in such projects thanks to its timeless façade systems with integrated photovoltaics. Let's imagine one of the interesting realizations in Neu-Ulm, Germany, which perfectly combines elegant design with the use of light and energy production. We are talking about the new commercial-administrative building of ESU electronic solutions ulm GmbH & Co. KG, which focuses on model-making for boats, cars, railway technology, and the production of related accessories and electronics. The glass façade of the building consists of Schüco ProSol TF modules with built-in thin-film photovoltaics.

The new ESU building, designed by the architects from the architectural, engineering, and planning office Scherr + Klimke AG, is located in the German city of Neu-Ulm, in close proximity to the Technology Center and the University of Applied Sciences. The client's goal was to integrate the new building seamlessly into the structure of the city and thus avoid the traditional industrial zone, thereby presenting the company's openness, transparency, and innovative approach. The architectural solution of the building sets a new standard, as in addition to openness to the external environment, it also brings environmental consideration. The main features of the façade are sparkling anthracite gray aluminum profiles from Schüco with excellent thermal insulation values, generous triple-glazing that plays with light, and semi-transparent photovoltaic modules that generate solar energy, contributing to the building's positive energy balance.

Openness and transparency throughout the building
The requirement for openness to the external environment has been fulfilled in all three floors of the building. The ground floor houses the reception, showrooms, and training rooms for the company. The two upper floors contain offices, conference spaces, and development rooms. A higher degree of privacy on the upper floors is provided by opaque railings and optional shading using retractable blinds. On the second floor, directly above the entrance to the building, there is also a bistro with an open terrace. The transparent entrance area highlights the concrete recess and the adjacent set of photovoltaic modules in a natural brown color, situated in the stairwell. The elongated, low three-story building thus gives a clean and harmonious impression. This is also aided by the white reinforced concrete skeleton, which frames and delineates the entire southern transparent side of the building. The remaining walls of the building are thermally insulated.

Warm façade combined with the Schüco ProSol TF system
Aluminum profiles Schüco FW 50+ with triple glazing were used for the fully glazed façade on the southern side of the building. Schüco's aluminum façade system offers variability in format selection and the possibility of integrating thin-film photovoltaics. Semi-transparent photovoltaic modules ProSol TF in brown shades were installed in the stairwell area, adding functionality and impressive effects to the architectural concept. The unified smooth surface of the modules provides a pleasant light atmosphere in the stairwell and adds originality to the façade. Thanks to a high degree of transparency of 20%, there is ample light in the stairwell during the day; conversely, on hot sunny days, the ProSol TF modules act as a shading element, making it unnecessary to install other shading technology. Another indispensable and key role of the Schüco photovoltaic system is the generation of solar energy; the modules perform well under diffuse light and at high operating temperatures. 24 transparent ProSol TF modules with a total area of 60 m² and an installed capacity of 2.23 kWp will produce approximately 1570 kWh annually, which can potentially be fed into the grid. This brings the company annual savings equivalent to 355 liters of heating oil and approximately 835 kg of CO2. Three blind modules, distinguishable on the façade by their framing, serve as devices for the discharge of smoke and heat. However, they are perfectly integrated into the façade's structure from the outside so as not to disrupt its integrity. Although the area of 60 m² covered by the modules in the stairwell does not completely meet the energy needs of the administrative building, it represents a significant step forward in sustainability and future architecture.

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Investor: Lindner Liegenschaften GmbH & Co. KG, Neu-Ulm/Germany
Architects: Scherr + Klimke AG, Architects and Engineers, Neu-Ulm/Germany
Construction Company: Siegfried Wölz Stahl - und Metallbau GmbH & Co. KG, Gundelfingen/Germany
Location: Neu-Ulm in Germany
Completion Date: June 1, 2011