In Hall 11/D59 at the glasstec trade fair for glass production and processing (20–23 September), copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic module maker Avancis GmbH of Torgau, Germany is launching its new PowerMax SKALA architectural PV module.
Whereas the construction of photovoltaic facades was previously an architectural challenge and subject to clear restrictions, architects and planners now have a new freedom, says AVANCIS. SKALA is not only available in different colors and sizes, the panel can additionally be installed both in portrait and landscape format, according to regional requirements. Building engineers, architects and facade planners hence have the greatest possible freedom for design, planning and design of the building envelope.
"Solar facades based on thin-film technology are unique solutions which enable high-quality, aesthetic cladding solutions," says CEO Dr Franz Karg. "They are a real design alternative to traditional facades, and further they generate a significant portion of the energy needs of the building," he adds. "Our CIS thin-film technology already allows innately high color homogeneity. Thus, with SKALA we have developed an architectural module for the building sector which not only meets the high standards of performance and design in solar facades, this will set new standards."
SKALA is available in different colors and sizes and is especially suitable for ventilated facades. Due to the singular mounting system of the module (with solid back-rails on the back and no visible clamping on the front), the frameless architecture module can be inserted to fit any facade construction.
Another key feature is the power class of the facade module: Each standard-sized SKALA panel has an output of 135Wp. Furthermore, the new architectural panel has also earnt German General Building Approval (abZ), so time- and cost-consuming single-project audit procedures can be omitted from the start.
