The use of photovoltaic systems for environmentally friendly power generation has become standard in many households. But what can you do if the roof is too small, too shaded, or otherwise not suitable?
This is where the innovative photovoltaic façade comes into play as a forward-looking solution. This advanced technology enables you to efficiently use the vertical surfaces of your building for energy generation. Especially in urban areas, where roof space is limited, façade PV offers an attractive alternative or a meaningful supplement to conventional rooftop systems.
What exactly is a photovoltaic façade?
A photovoltaic façade is a specialized form of solar system in which the PV modules are installed directly on the vertical exterior wall of a building. Depending on the concept and structural conditions, this can be achieved through simple mounting in front of the existing wall or as a building-integrated solution where the solar modules become an integral part of the building envelope.
In practice, two main variants of the photovoltaic façade are distinguished:
- Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): With this solution, the solar modules are directly integrated into the façade structure and simultaneously serve as weather and thermal protection. This option is particularly suitable for new construction projects and enables a visually sophisticated and functionally well-thought-out building envelope.
- Ventilated Curtain Façades (VHF): This practical solution is ideal for retrofitting existing buildings. The PV modules are mounted in front of the actual façade, leaving a defined air layer for continuous ventilation. This ensures both optimal thermal insulation and reliable moisture protection.
The compelling advantages of a photovoltaic façade
Modern photovoltaic façades offer numerous benefits that go beyond mere energy generation:
- Efficient use of space: Especially in multi-family homes, commercial properties, or urban buildings, façades are often the largest unused surfaces. Installing photovoltaic modules on these surfaces maximizes your building's energy yield.
- Optimized power generation even in winter: Due to their vertical installation, façade modules benefit from a particularly favorable sun angle in winter and generate comparatively more electricity than conventional rooftop modules during the colder months.
- Low maintenance and durable: Thanks to their vertical positioning, façade modules are significantly less susceptible to dirt, snow loads, or weather-related impairments. This reduces maintenance efforts and extends the system's lifespan.
- Improved thermal and sound insulation: Especially VHF systems with photovoltaic modules offer additional insulation and can noticeably reduce indoor noise levels, enhancing living comfort.
- Extensive design freedom: Thanks to various colored modules, different glass types, and flexible mounting options, photovoltaic façades can be visually appealing and architecturally modern.
Technical aspects and professional planning
Successful implementation of a high-performance PV façade requires careful and expert planning. Important aspects such as building statics, potential shading situations, optimal orientation, and well-thought-out technical integration must be considered early on. Especially for complex BIPV systems, early integration into the architectural master plan is essential for optimal results.
Photovoltaic façades can be oriented to the east, west, or ideally to the south, depending on the building. Although the total energy yield is lower compared to optimally tilted rooftop installations, vertical façade solutions offer a crucial advantage: The modules often deliver more consistent solar power throughout the day and can effectively reduce peak yields, improving grid integration.
Cost-effectiveness and attractive funding opportunities
The investment costs for a high-quality photovoltaic façade range, depending on the design, module type, and structural conditions, between 400 and 600 euros per square meter of façade area. Translated into output, this equates to around 2,000 to 3,000 euros per kilowatt peak, which is higher than classic rooftop PV systems, where an average of around 1,500 euros per kilowatt peak is expected. The higher price is due to the specific requirements of façade modules and the more complex installation process.
Despite the higher initial investment, façade PV offers some specific economic advantages:
- Use of otherwise unused surfaces – especially valuable when roof space is limited or unsuitable
- More balanced power production throughout the year – with better winter performance when electricity prices tend to be higher
- Multifunctionality – simultaneously fulfilling building envelope functions and energy generation, saving costs for conventional façade elements
- Extended lifespan – due to lower weather-related stress compared to rooftop systems
Of course, you also benefit from the general economic advantages of a PV system:
- Continuous savings as electricity prices rise through self-consumption
- Guaranteed feed-in tariff according to the current Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG)
- Sustainable increase in property value
- Financial support through various funding programs (e.g., low-interest KfW loans, regional state subsidies for photovoltaics)
Frequently asked questions about photovoltaic façades
What are the benefits of vertical PV modules?
Vertically installed photovoltaic modules offer several practical advantages: They allow for a more consistent power yield throughout the day and particularly benefit from the low sun angle in the winter months. This leads to a more balanced annual output compared to rooftop-only installations. Moreover, vertical modules are less prone to soiling and operate especially efficiently in cooler seasons, as lower module temperatures positively affect efficiency.
How much does a photovoltaic façade cost?
Prices for photovoltaic façades vary significantly depending on the selected module type, system choice (BIPV or VHF), and individual installation effort. Generally, you should expect investment costs of 400 to 600 euros per square meter of façade area. Depending on the project, additional planning costs and necessary building modifications may also apply. Professional consultation is essential for an accurate cost calculation.
What exactly are BIPV modules?
BIPV stands for "Building Integrated Photovoltaics". These specialized modules are designed as an integral part of the building envelope and replace traditional façade elements such as glass surfaces, aluminum cladding, or concrete panels. The key advantage: they simultaneously meet architectural, physical, and energy-related requirements for modern building envelopes. BIPV modules thus offer a multifunctional solution that is both aesthetically appealing and technically advanced, while also enabling sustainable energy production.
Conclusion
The innovative photovoltaic façade represents a forward-looking technology that impressively combines ecological sustainability, architectural aesthetics, and constructional functionality. It opens up promising opportunities for both modern new builds and the energy-efficient refurbishment of existing buildings to advance the energy transition in the vertical dimension.
If the available roof space is insufficient for a conventional solar system or if you specifically want to combine contemporary architecture with sustainable energy production, façade PV is a future-proof alternative.