Skip to main navigation Skip to main content Skip to page footer
ASCA logo
A project in the field of Architecture:

OPV sail

in shape of African continent

Combination of ultra-light and flexible ASCA® organic “free-form” modules

In collaboration with the leading manufacturer of steel cable and mesh constructions, Carl Stahl Architektur, ASCA has developed a unique energy-generating shade sail in the shape of the African continent for the “Peace and Security” Building of the African Union, a project managed by the GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit).
The lightweight system consists of 445 individual transparent blue modules, which supply sufficient electricity to power the LED lighting system inside the building.

The combination of ultra-light and flexible ASCA® organic “free-form” modules, based on 3rd generation photovoltaic technology and a stainless-steel cable mesh construction has enabled the realization of a solar project of this magnitude for the very first time. Mounting was done using a combination of steel ropes and tubes to create a non-collapsing structure.

Project facts

  • Customer: GIZ
  • Number of installed modules: 1,800 OPV pixels assembled in 450 modules
  • Façade surface: around 500 m2
  • Application type: system of 450 individual transparent blue modules, held in place by a cable mesh construction directly underneath the membrane dome above the Peace and Security Building’s interior
  • Electrical system: self-consumption

“Being able to assemble a system of this size in just 5 days and mainly with local forces shows the incredible potential in the combination of OPV and steel cable structures.”

Luca Casati, Chief fitter at Carl Stahl & assembly manager in Addis Ababa

Further projects

An Idea. A project. A Question?

Talk to one of our experts.