Accelerating the Energy Transition: How Solar Facades Make a Difference

The energy transition is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources is crucial to combat climate change. But why do we need to accelerate this transition, what tools are available to achieve this, and how can solar facades specifically contribute to this acceleration? In this blog, we discuss the urgency of the energy transition, the tools to speed it up, and the role of innovative solutions like facade-integrated solar panels.

The need to accelerate the energy transition is clear. Global temperatures are rising at an alarming rate, leading to more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss. This has not only ecological but also economic and social consequences. To limit global warming to 1.5°C, as agreed in the Paris Climate Accord, we must drastically reduce CO2 emissions—and quickly.

The Netherlands has set ambitious goals for the energy transition. According to the Dutch government, the country aims to fully switch to renewable energy by 2050. This entails a large-scale transition to solar and wind energy alongside the development of sustainable energy infrastructures, such as pipelines and energy storage systems. For more information about these goals, click here.

Furthermore, current geopolitical developments and the desire for faster independence from gas underscore the urgency of an accelerated energy transition. This requires action on many fronts, both large-scale and local. Communities and businesses play a vital role, as their involvement in sustainable initiatives creates broad support for the energy transition (TNO, 2022).

Fortunately, various tools and strategies are already available to speed up the energy transition:

• Energy efficiency: Improving building insulation and adopting more efficient technologies can reduce energy consumption.

• Renewable energy generation: Scaling up the use of solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable sources is essential.

• Electrification: Transitioning from fossil fuels to electricity in sectors such as transport and industry can significantly cut CO2 emissions.

• Smart grids: Digitisation and intelligent energy networks enable efficient energy distribution and storage.

• Awareness and acceptance: Increasing public, corporate, and governmental support is essential for widespread adoption of sustainable solutions.

However, a recent report from the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) emphasises that additional policies with rapid effects are necessary to stay on track for the 2030 climate goals (PBL, 2024).

In the quest to generate more energy, facades are often underutilised. However, they offer tremendous potential, especially in urban areas where space is limited. Installing solar panels on facades increases the energy density of buildings without using additional land.

Integrating solar panels into buildings enables faster independence from fossil fuels for direct energy use in buildings. This makes it possible to create energy-neutral or even energy-positive buildings. A key advantage of solar facades is their potential to be architecturally integrated into building designs. At Solarix, we combine aesthetics with functionality. Our solar panels are available in various colours, patterns, and finishes, seamlessly matching the architecture of modern buildings. This not only increases acceptance but also makes sustainable energy generation more appealing to developers and architects.

In large and tall buildings, it is often not feasible to generate sufficient energy with rooftop solar panels alone. Facade solar panels provide an additional source of renewable energy, enabling buildings to become nearly or entirely energy-neutral. This is particularly crucial in densely populated cities where pressure on the electricity grid is high, and grid congestion is an increasing concern.

By combining various energy-generating systems – such as rooftop, facade, and even glass-integrated solar panels – we can maximise a building’s energy potential. This not only contributes to the energy transition but also reduces energy costs for property owners.

The use of solar panels on facades positively impacts both EPC and BENG calculations for buildings. The EPC (Energy Performance Coefficient) measures the energy efficiency of a building, while the BENG standards (Nearly Zero Energy Buildings) set guidelines for energy demand, primary fossil energy use, and renewable energy share. Additionally, the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) provides insight into the environmental impact of building materials. Solarix products have an exceptionally low EPD score compared to other products on the market. This makes them highly advantageous for both EPC and BENG calculations, as the use of Solarix solar panels directly contributes to more sustainable buildings with a lower environmental impact.

Additional Benefits of Facade Solar Panels:

• Locally generate renewable energy exactly when and where it is needed.

• Improve grid energy balance by generating power from different orientations, resulting in more even energy production throughout the day.

• Cost savings through energy generation during peak pricing periods.

• Reduce CO2 emissions by an average of 3,000 kg/m² over the lifespan of Solarix panels.

• Energy savings due to reduced transport losses, with a fully renewable supply chain that can lead to up to 40% energy savings.

• Efficient land use by preserving agricultural land otherwise used for solar farms.

• Replace construction materials, reducing the need for additional resources.

• Create space for green solutions, such as rooftop gardens, by reducing the reliance on solar rooftops.

• Contribute to meeting BENG and Label C standards for nearly all building types.

Solarix is committed to accelerating the energy transition to reverse current trends. With Solarix, we aim to make a significant impact on the global energy transition by drastically reducing the CO2 footprint of the construction industry, taking steps towards circular building practices. Over 36% of all CO2 emissions originate from the built environment, and our solar panels can substantially mitigate this.

One square metre of solar facade equates to a 3,000 kg CO2 reduction over its lifespan, equivalent to the carbon absorption of three growing trees.

It is clear that facade solar panels can play a vital role in the energy transition. By combining sustainable energy generation with innovative design, we prepare cities for the future. At Solarix, we are dedicated to a world where every building generates energy – aesthetically, efficiently, and sustainably.

What is your vision of the role of buildings in the energy transition?