Going Dutch with Certified BIPV project

Opened earlier this year – Romag’s Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) panels have been installed as part of the construction of the renovated head office of Alliander in Arnhem, Netherlands.

The concept in building integrated photovoltaics combines renewable energy generation with a glass laminate design to enable the PV cell to blend sympathetically into the fabric of the new glazing system.

The modified PV system was integrated into the glass atrium that runs centrally through the main building allowing valuable natural light to the centre of the building through thermally efficient low-emissivity glass.

Working with partners in the Benelux, Hermans Techniglaz, over 633 panels were manufactured for the project at a total coverage of 1500m2, generating 160.000 kWh of electricity each year. The solar panels were installed in the building first, allowing for the almost CO2 neutral building to be able to generate electricity from the beginning. This is also one the Netherlands’ first BREEAM-certified renovation projects.

Rik van Ogtrop, sales director at Hermans Techniglaz commented: “By using Romag’s BIPV and other renewables, the building is powered by energy that does not pollute the environment and actually generates more electricity than it consumes. The flexibility of design using BIPV allows it to be installed anywhere.”