In the recent years the trend in environmental policies and civil engineering goes toward the use of solar energies and other renewable resources. Such technologies have many advantages.

The reduction in the consumption of fossil fuels is undoubtedly a policy which is positively supported by society as a whole and there are a number of directives and policies in place, both on a global, European, national and, ultimately, at a local level.

The obvious advantage of solar technology is the possibility of alternatively generating energy that also reflects the added value for the end user.

Notwithstanding the possibility of a higher initial investment, investment in the solar technology for the owner will pay off in the medium and long term. Solar systems have the following decisive advantages:

1. Savings of money on electricity – you can save on electricity bills and also get financial support for the installation of solar systems
2. Get money back – depending on national regulations, you can get either tax credit or subsidies
3. Save the environment – you contribute to the reduction of the carbon footprint
4. Solar systems can increase a building’s value
5. Low-maintenance needed – not many extra costs arise from the maintenance of solar systems

Additionally, already some efforts have been made to introduce photovoltaic facades. There is already a solution available – a photovoltaic ventilated façade and roof system. It has an undeniable aesthetic value, outstanding heat insulation properties and, at the same time, generates electricity, that is used in the same building. According to the manufacturer, it reduces the energy consumption of a building for up to 40%. Depending on the orientation of the façade, the building location and the photovoltaic technology between 20-40 kW/h electricity per square meter per year can be produced. (source: www.onyxsolar.com)

The solar activated façade panel that will be prototyped during the ABS Network project, will on the other side introduce other aspects – namely, the solar energy, collected in the façade panels, will be used to support the heating/cooling and insulation system of a building. We are excited that our solution will contribute to future development and innovation of multifunctional solar building envelopes.