Within SolarBEAT, a collaboration between the TU/e and SEAC (Solar Energy Application Centre, an initiative by TNO, ECN and industry organization Holland Solar), companies from the solar branch can test their building-integrated solar energy ideas, both for electricity (PV) and for electricity and heating (photovoltaic thermal, PVT). To that end, six buildings were built on Vertigo, five of which have slanted roofs, to mimic the attic floor of an average Dutch townhouse. By applying the cloth over the Vertigo elevator shaft, which has a great mirroring capacity due to the reflective foil, the location has become even more realistic.

Vertigo Building: TU Eindhoven, Construction faculty. Plaza Vertigo, Groene loper 6, Eindhoven.

Menno van den Donker provides an SEAC presentation zooming in on PV, on water, on infra and – in the future – on land and on buildings. Municipalities can register for the presentation, to share knowledge on energy data and business cases.

Example projects:

• Solar Highways, bifacial: multiple functions: sound and energy.
• The benefit of this bifacial feature is that it means that a southern orientation is no longer required.
• Connection towards Middelburg: energy wall. There used to be a wall near the station, to shield the walkway to the campus. This could serve three functions: sound, protection and energy. Focus point: involving citizens is a great motivator, for example by providing free energy in certain locations.
• Zon op Dijk: a multipurpose use: green levee, the grass keeps the levee in mint condition.

Issues raised by Menno:– The construction of special panels could raise problems not only for production and sale, but also for installation. The market has a lot to learn on the subject.– Maintenance: panels are stable products. After 30 years, 90% is still operational. Key takeaway: BAPV is easier to maintain than BIPV.