Semi-Transparent Solar Façade

204 individually designed, semi-transparent solar modules from ASCA^® were integrated into an approximately 55 m² stainless steel cable-net façade on the 18th floor.

The structure at the Munich’s Municipal Building Department combines solar energy generation with architectural transparency, preserves the façade’s open character and demonstrates new possibilities for integrating solar energy into existing buildings.

ASCA^®’s organic photovoltaics (OPV) technology allows the shape, color, and transparency of solar modules to be tailored to architectural requirements. With gray, diamond- and triangular-shaped modules, we reflect the geometry of the stainless steel cable net, preserve the view from the terrace through their semi-transparent design, and make additional surfaces available for energy generation.

Implementing the solar façade required careful coordination with the existing building structure. Structural elements on the terrace and restricted access via the elevator and terrace door presented particular challenges for planning and installation.

For this application, ASCA®’s printed solar films were laminated in polycarbonate. The finished modules weigh approximately 10 kg/m² and are mounted on six prestressed stainless steel cable nets using specially developed fastening elements. With a cable diameter of just 4 mm, the delicate structure enables a slender, transparent façade design.