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Solar facades: The beautiful source of solar energy in a sustainable city

Protected cityscapes and townscapes represent a rich history and cultural significance. It is essential to preserve these structures while striving for a sustainable future. Solar panels for protected cityscapes, monuments, or heritage can play an important role in this, but the challenge is to integrate them without compromising the aesthetic value of the buildings.Joep Oudendijk, specialist in sustainable energy solutions for heritage and monuments at Solarix, emphasizes that owners should be aware of the lengthy process and permit applications that come with it. &quot;It is a long process,&quot; says Joep, &quot;but with the right approach and materials, such as terracotta solar panels, it is absolutely possible to integrate sustainable energy without compromising the aesthetics of historic buildings.&quot;

Municipal monuments, national monuments, provincial monuments and other heritage are looking for ways to make their buildings more sustainable without losing their historical appearance. Joep Oudendijk emphasizes that the colour and texture of the solar panels must perfectly match the existing roof tiles: &quot;The biggest requirement is colour retention. That is why we are developing terracotta solar panels with a ceramic print with inorganic pigments that do not discolour. These panels integrate seamlessly without detracting from the historical appearance of the building.&quot; The mounting material must also be coloured to ensure a harmonious appearance. Solarix works closely with partners such as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.valksolarsystems.com/">Van der Valk Solar</a> to offer coloured mounting material as standard, which is essential for maintaining the aesthetics of protected cityscapes. In addition, Solarix offers samples of the terracotta solar panels, so that owners and housing associations can view and test the panels before making a final decision. It is also possible to order just one panel, instead of large quantities. The terracotta solar panels are in stock and fit every European mounting system and do not detract from conventional panels.Property owners can opt for terracotta solar panels for protected cityscapes, townscapes, monuments, and heritage sites. They can thus enjoy sustainable energy solutions without compromising the aesthetic integrity of their buildings.

How do you maintain aesthetics with terracotta solar panels on a protected cityscape or monument?

Joep points out the added value of terracotta solar panels despite a slight decrease in performance compared to conventional solar panels: &quot;What you lose in efficiency is more than compensated for by the aesthetic value that is retained. No panels means no savings. We pave the way to install solar panels in an aesthetic way without detracting from a beautiful home or building and to reduce energy costs.&quot;The terracotta solar panels from Solarix, with a capacity of 355 Watt peak per panel, offer an excellent balance between aesthetics and efficiency. They are designed to integrate perfectly with existing roof tiles and retain their colour and durability, comparable to our facade panels that last 30-40 years. &quot;If you want to make your home more sustainable, you are stuck with colour, and that colour must match the colours of the roof as closely as possible and therefore often terracotta,&quot; says Joep.

Aesthetic and high efficiency

No two protected cityscapes or townscapes are the same, meaning that each location has its own specific requirements and challenges. A prime example of how terracotta solar panels have been successfully applied to a protected cityscape can be found in Arnhem. Here, our terracotta solar panels were integrated onto a historic building, while preserving both its sustainable and aesthetic values. By working closely with local heritage committees and using coloured mounting materials, we were able to seamlessly integrate the solar panels into the existing roof tiles. According to Joep: &quot;In projects like the one in Arnhem, we even had the entire bottom rail coloured to ensure a harmonious appearance.&quot; The Arnhem project also shows the broader impact that sustainable initiatives can have. As highlighted in an article by <a target="_blank" href="https://platforme.nl/hoe-een-klein-project-3x-impact-kan-maken-solarix-en-social-energy-willen-meer-brengen-voor-de-samenleving/">PlatformE</a>, this project not only contributed to the sustainability of a historic building, but also had a positive social and ecological impact. Solarix worked with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.socialenergy.me/">Social Energy</a> to combine sustainable energy solutions with social initiatives. This project in Arnhem demonstrates how local engagement and community collaboration can lead to greater societal benefits, and serves as an inspiring example of how sustainable technology and social responsibility can go hand in hand to create broader impact.

Solar panels protect cityscape in Arnhem

Installing terracotta solar panels on buildings in protected cityscapes and townscapes requires a permit application. “Owners really need to take into account the permit process and the potentially long lead time. The rules and permit requirements vary per municipality and aesthetic committee, so it is essential to be well-informed and start preparing in time,&quot; Joep emphasizes.The permit process can vary from four to six months and includes several phases, including a waiting period for assessment and publication, during which people can object. More and more municipalities also have specific requirements for new construction, such as the ban on black solar panels on terracotta roofs. This emphasizes the importance of colour retention and aesthetic integration when choosing solar panels. Here is a practical guide to prepare well for the permit process:1. Preparation:<ul><li>Gather information about the building: Note the historical status and protection category of the intended building. This can vary from municipal monument to national monument and protected townscape or village view.</li><li>Research local regulations: Check the conditions for solar panels on buildings in protected townscapes and village views. Some municipalities have specific requirements for the placement and visibility of solar panels.</li></ul>2. Consultation:<ul><li>Contact your local heritage committee: Understand the requirements and restrictions that apply to your specific location. The heritage committee can advise on the aesthetic and technical requirements.</li><li>Consult a certified installer: Choose an installer with experience in protected cityscapes and monuments. They can help you prepare an application and ensure that the installation complies with regulations.</li></ul>3. Documentation:<ul><li>Prepare detailed plans: These should describe the location and aesthetic integration of the terracotta solar panels. Ensure that the plans clearly show how the panels will integrate with the existing roof structure.</li><li>Include visual aids: Use photographs and simulations to illustrate how the solar panels will look after installation. This will help to provide a visual representation to the assessing authority.</li></ul>4. Permit application:<ul><li>Submit the application: Use the standard form from the <a target="_blank" href="https://omgevingswet.overheid.nl/">Omgevingsloket online </a>or the website of a local authority. Ensure that all necessary documentation is included.</li><li>Be prepared to provide additional information: The local authority may ask for additional details. Ensure availability to deliver these quickly to avoid delays.</li></ul>5. Installation:<ul><li>Work with a certified installer: This ensures that the installation meets all legal and technical requirements. An experienced installer knows how to deal with the specific requirements of protected cityscapes.</li></ul>By following these steps and being well-prepared, you can ensure that the permit application and installation of terracotta solar panels on a building in a protected cityscape, monument, or heritage goes smoothly.

Practical guide for permit applications for solar panels for protected cityscapes

When making buildings in protected cityscapes and village views more sustainable, collaboration with specialist parties is essential. Certified installers and suppliers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the installation process and offer valuable support during the permit application. &quot;Good installers guide owners through the often complex permit process,&quot; says Joep Oudendijk.Installers help owners to make detailed drawings for the municipality, including layout plans for the placement of terracotta solar panels. By working closely with experienced installers, owners of buildings in protected cityscapes and village views can be assured of a responsible approach to the installation of terracotta solar panels.

Support from installers

Terracotta solar panels offer a unique opportunity to make buildings in protected cityscapes and townscapes, monuments or heritage sites more sustainable without compromising their historical aesthetics. These innovative solutions support a greener future while preserving the cultural integrity of heritage sites. Specialist installers can assist with the permit application and contribute to a good integration of the solar panels on a roof.At Solarix we focus on aesthetics and help to maintain the aesthetics of the cityscape and townscape. We want to be a partner that is continuously engaged in product development to provide the best possible solutions for historical buildings. Our terracotta solar panels are designed to integrate perfectly with existing roof tiles, so that the historical appearance is preserved.

Solar panels on monuments or heritage sites too? It’s possible!

Contact us to be connected to an installation partner near you for professional advice and support with the permit application and installation.

Need help with your permit application or more information about our terracotta solar panels?

This blog was created with input from Joep Oudendijk. As an account manager for solar facades and roofs at Solarix, Joep brings his experience in sustainability and innovation. He works with clients on sustainable and aesthetically responsible solutions for buildings.

About Joep Oudendijk

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Discover how terracotta solar panels enable protected cityscapes and solar panels on monuments without detracting from historical value.

Solar panels for protected cityscape, monument or heritage

Blog

Primary school De Kikker, originally designed by Liesbeth van der Pol of Dok Architects, undergoes a complete metamorphosis in the summer of 2024. The old bright-green plating, which needed to be replaced, is being replaced by colourful, custom solar panels from Solarix. This renovation is an initiative of the Municipality of Amsterdam, which approached Dok Architects and Solarix to develop a new suitable colouring and custom panels.

This project update was created with input from Elias Wijnmalen. Elias has a keen eye for detail and captures the beauty and innovation of Solarix façades on video. His work showcases both the process and the final result of our projects.

About Elias Wijnmalen

De Kikker primary school will undergo a renovation in the summer of 2024: the old poisonous green plating will be replaced by colourful, custom solar panels from Solarix.

Watch the making of: the 1500 m2 solar facade of De Kikker

Project update

We&#039;ve recently completed our first few projects, including a beautiful house in Arnhem within a protected cityscape. Here, our terracotta solar panels were the perfect solution, ensuring compliance and approval for the necessary environmental permits.Interested in making your terracotta roof more sustainable or becoming an installation partner for Solarix? Don&#039;t hesitate to reach out to our colleague, Maurick den Boon, for more information.

The panels in the project shown were installed by our expert partner <a target="_blank" href="https://www.socialenergy.me/">Social Energy</a>. They not only provide vocational training and employment to people with a refugee background, but also help clients with the application and management of environmental permits.

Installation partner

This message was created with input from Eefiene Winnubst-Bolhuis. As Lead designer and Marketing manager at Solarix, she brings over 15 years of experience in product and material design. She develops colour collections and leads the creative direction of Solarix’s brand identity and communications.

About Eefiene Winnubst-Bolhuis

Completion of first projects with terracotta solar panels on the roof

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Solar panels reinvented: Last night, Solarix was featured on De Stand van Nederland: Koplopers! Discover how our colored and patterned solar facades are transforming the aesthetics of renewable energy while addressing challenges like grid congestion and energy peaks. Curious how we are transforming buildings into smart, sustainable power plants? Watch the episode now

Solarix solar facades at Stand van Nederland: Koplopers