LafargeHolcim together with its partner Heliatek have developed a photovoltaic energy-generating concrete facade that has the capability to double the energy generation traditionally achieved by roof-based solar systems. LafargeHolcim and Heliatek have closely collaborated over the last two years to create a cladding solution combining Ductal and HeliaFilm, Heliatek’s flexible and ultra-light solar film. With this new solution, prefabricated Ductal panels are delivered on site with an integrated solar
LafargeHolcim together with its partner Heliatek have developed a photovoltaic energy-generating concrete facade that has the capability to double the energy generation traditionally achieved by roof-based solar systems.
LafargeHolcim and Heliatek have closely collaborated over the last two years to create a cladding solution combining Ductal and HeliaFilm, Heliatek’s flexible and ultra-light solar film. With this new solution, prefabricated Ductal panels are delivered on site with an integrated solar energy-generation system.
This cladding boosts the building’s ability to generate energy independently and offers a reliable, decentralised and decarbonised energy supply.
A ten-storey commercial building with 60% of its facade covered with the Ductal/HeliaFilm cladding system could generate approximately 30% of its annual energy requirement.
“LafargeHolcim seeks to offer sustainable, high-performance construction solutions that improve energy efficiency for buildings,” says Gérard Kuperfarb, group head of Growth & Innovation at LafargeHolcim.
“With this Ductal/ HeliaFilm solution, building owners and developers as well as architects and engineers will be able to mitigate the energy costs of a building while enjoying the many benefits of a very light, low maintenance and long-lasting cladding solution.”
LafargeHolcim’s Research & Development focuses on addressing today’s major construction challenges where 30-40% of global energy consumption is used for heating and cooling buildings and insulation regulations are being strengthened all over the world.
Decentralised energy generation in buildings is among the critical levers to mitigate the impact of buildings on climate change but also to reduce the operating expenses for owners and optimise the use of national power grids.
Heliatek is among the technology leaders in the field of organic electronics, and it has developed a range of ultra-light (1kg/m²), highly aesthetic, thin, solar films. With a CO2 life cycle impact close to five times less than traditional crystalline photovoltaics, the HeliaFilm is said to be the greenest photovoltaics solution worldwide.
“Cooperation like the one we have with LafargeHolcim is at the core of our strategy. Our HeliaFilm is the active element which transforms building cladding into a power station. This is the path to green, localized electricity,” says Thibaud Le Séguillon, CEO of Heliatek.
A prototype of this new photovoltaic facade system is being presented at Batimat, the French construction fair (until 9 November), and a pilot project is planned in 2018.
