Introduction
The project EUDP BASE - Building Adapted Solar Energy was a 2-year demonstration project started in November 2013 with Gaia Solar as a project manager. Total budget - 1 m. Euros, with ½ m. Euros supported by the EUDP-programme.
Challenge
The most energy-effective solar cells are not aesthetic or integrated into the buildings, which causes a negative effect on the property value. In the future solar cells have to be implemented in newly constructed buildings and the challenge, therefore, consisted in finding a relatively cost-efficient solution to this problem.
Solution
BASE is a project that demonstrates the potential of integrating solar energy in a high and densely populated area as Copenhagen without the necessity of compromising the property value. Our mission was to provide both cost-effective and aesthetic solar cells that are integrated into the already existing roofing materials while still achieving a high level of energy savings. Our task was to visually manage the development process and creating ways that made the decision-making process meaningful.
Result
This innovative solution of BASE maintains the aesthetic value for citizens and building owners while achieving value for society in generating clean energy at a low cost. Furthermore, the solution is flexible and can be customized and adapted to the specific needs and the economy available.
The solar cells are not only multifunctional with the opportunity of integration and cost-effectiveness. They also illustrate how solar energy can be innovative in its aesthetical design providing a solid foundation for investing in solar cells. BASE solar cells is now an already proven concept with an illustrated prototype in the commercialization stage with great market potential.