SEAMLESS-PV Project

Last week, I travelled to Florence, invited by the SEAMLESS-PV Project to contribute to the first edition of the Integrated Photovoltaic Conference #IPVConference. I had the pleasure and honour to moderate a session on Building Integrated Photovoltaics #BIPV for the Construction Sector: Action Points beyond the State of Play, featuring interventions and a panel discussion with distinguished speakers, including EU policymakers, solar industry experts, architects, and innovators. During a brief introduction, I had the chance to mention on behalf of the European Builders Confederation EBC the central role that construction SMEs play in further integrating solar energy in Europe’s buildings, including through our engagement in the Increase project and our support to the new Article 10 of the recast EPBD. #BIPV and solar architecture, as a novel, versatile and made-in-Europe solution, could play an important role in delivering on energy-efficient building renovations going forward. The exchanges with Pau Garcia Audi (European Commission), Lorenzo de Simone (EU Science, Research and Innovation, NEBA: New European Bauhaus Initiative), Claire Morin (SolarPower Europe), Stephane Garson (Akuo, SunStyle), Dieter Moor (arconsol) and Jean-Didier Steenackers (SUNSOAK DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE) were particularly insightful. Special thanks to Pierluigi Bonomo (University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland) and Giulio Poggiaroni (ETA Florence Renewable Energies) for the cooperation in preparing this conference all these past months.

🌟 Wrapping Up an Inspiring #IPVConference2024 in Florence! Yesterday, the historic city of Florence provided the perfect backdrop for a dynamic exchange of ideas, blending its timeless charm with cutting-edge Integrated Photovoltaic (IPV) innovations. 🎉 Some Conference Highlights include: ✅ Over 150 participants from across Europe. ✅ 50+ expert speakers, including leaders from public organizations, research institutions, policymakers, top IPV businesses, solar architects, and technicians. ✅ Engaged university students, the future of the solar industry. ✅ 12 vibrant sessions in total, packed with innovative insights, collaborative discussions, and fresh ideas for advancing IPV in Europe. Florence, a city where history meets innovation, reminded us of the importance of harmonizing technology with aesthetics—a principle at the heart of IPV’s mission. Together, we’re shaping a sustainable future while respecting cultural heritage. 🌍 Thank you to our generous sponsor Autarq GmbH, our partners, all participants, expert speakers, and our organizer ETA-Florence Renewable Energies for making #IPVConference2024 a remarkable success! 💡 Find more photos from the conference here: ipv-conference.com European Commission Becquerel Institute European Builders Confederation EBC pv magazine Global SolarPower Europe University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland TECNALIA Research & Innovation Autarq GmbH 3S Swiss Solar Solutions AG European Association for Architectural Education SUNSOAK DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE arconsol Mario Cucinella Architects ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI URBANISTICA Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche NEBA: New European Bauhaus Initiative Spyros Mathioudakis Claire Morin Pierluigi Bonomo Philippe Macé Daniel Valencia Caballero Angela Grassi Lori Zillante Stephane Garson Kai Buntrock Paolo Picchi Dieter Moor Jean-Didier Steenackers Lara Morandotti

More highlights from the vibrant discussions and innovative presentations from yesterday conference's afternoon sessions: “Advancing Integrated PV in Europe: Project Highlights from the ‘Call for Projects’”. ➡️ Agrivoltaics: Exploring cutting-edge solutions like urban bifacial agrivoltaics and PV noise barriers. ➡️ Built Environment: Innovations in BIPV, from colorful modules to retrofitting high-rise apartments. ➡️ Modelling: Utilizing digital twins and large-scale assessments for a sustainable PV future. ➡️ Components & Resource Efficiency: Advances in PV roofing systems, solar roof tiles for heritage buildings, and resource-efficient designs. 👏 Special thanks to Heinz Ossenbrink for moderating, and all the brilliant speakers for sharing their expertise, insights and research outcomes. #IPVConference #IPVConference2024 #bipv #agripv #solarenergy #architecture

The afternoon sessions of #IPVConference in Florence have just started! In the main auditorium our three speakers Angelo Pignatelli (EF Solare Italia), Arturo Ramos Fuente (Sun'Agri) and Viktoriia Borodina (Next2Sun AG) moderated by Paolo Picchi (ETA Florence Renewable Energies) are discussing groundbreaking insights on the synergy between energy generation, food production, and landscape protection, featuring perspectives from across Europe and by introducing demonstration projects such as SYMBIOSYST Project, Nex2Sun and the projects implemented by Sun'Agri.

Among the industry leaders in #BIPV of the third session of #IPV Conference, we had the pleasure to host Werther Cambarau, TECNALIA Research & Innovation, presenting TECNALIA's Solarface technology: #PV encapsulation technology bringing together the advantages of composite materials and PV energy production. #IPVConference #IPVConference2024 #bipv #agripv #solarenergy #architecture

✨ Happening now at #IPVConference Marcus Baeckmann (3S Swiss Solar Solutions AG) introducing 3S solar modules: modules that are integrated directly into the building envelope - the roof, the facade, the balcony railing or the overhead system- setting the standards in the field of building-integrated photovoltaics (#BIPV) and offering architects and building owners maximum design freedom combined with high energy efficiency. #IPVConference #IPVConference2024 #bipv #agripv #solarenergy #architecture

In this third session three prominent European industry leaders are invited to highlight key market trends and data in the BIPV sector, to share their solutions, experiences, and perspectives on the challenges currently facing the BIPV industry and to discuss potential paths forward. The first speaker, Kai Buntrock (Autarq GmbH) presented the company's innovative solar roof tile system transforming any roof into an attractive solar power plant: a seamless design with maximum flexibility and a plug-and-play installation. #IPVConference #IPVConference2024 #bipv #agripv #solarenergy #architecture

Which are the solutions, experiences, and perspectives on the challenges currently facing the #BIPV industry? Let's discover it together during this third session introduced by Philippe Macé (Becquerel Institute). Some of his main points: 🔹 On roofs, residential BIPV systems show very competitive results, while when installed on facades the results are more nuanced, as the configuration is less optimal 🔹 The BIPV segment will remain a niche in the short-term, with a slight slow down in 2024 and 2025 compared to 2023, but is on a trajectory of growth 🔹 As other industrial sectors in Europe, including #PV, the BIPV industry is going difficult times, but many actors still exist, showing how dynamic this industry is. 🔹 The normative framework in EU is fragmented between the construction and electrical (PV) sectors, with no mandatory BIPV standards 🔹 BIPV is not meant to overtake (BA)PV, but its unique features must be leveraged through regulation, education and communication efforts for an efficient uptake, so that it can achieve its potential... #IPVConference #IPVConference2024 #bipv #agripv #solarenergy #architecture

🏘️ Empathic architecture: a bond between sustainability and beauty🏵️ Lori Zillante (Mario Cucinella Architects - MCA) delivering a presentation on the evolving link between #sustainability and beauty in architecture, emphasizing solar photovoltaic integration. By incorporating #PV as a design element, solar tech can enhance both form and function. The talk outlined MCA’s vision for #sustainablearchitecture, highlighting examples of how PV and other green technologies can integrate seamlessly into building design as part of the whole architectural concept. #IPVConference #IPVConference2024 #bipv #agripv #solarenergy #architecture

🌞 Happening now at #IPVConference: The first session, moderated by Spyros Mathioudakis (European Builders Confederation EBC) on Building Integrated Photovoltaics (#BIPV) for the Construction Sector: Action Points beyond the State of Play. 🎤 Very engaging speeches by Lorenzo de Simone (EU Science, Research and Innovation, NEBA: New European Bauhaus Initiative), Claire Morin (SolarPower Europe), Stephane Garson (Akuo), Dieter Moor (arconsol) and Jean-Didier Steenackers (SUNSOAK DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE) 🎥 Follow us and stay tuned for the full recording! #IPVConference #IPVConference2024 #bipv #agripv #solarenergy #architecture