SOLARSHADES by Julian Paula & Paul Canfora
‘Solarshades’ is an indoor solar power plant, which can be retrofitted or newly installed in every space. It enables everyone to generate renewable electricity in their home or working environment.
Where The system is mounted in front of windows or used as space dividers. It can be newly installed and retrofitted in big buildings or in everyone’s home.
Who ‘Solarshades’ are intended to produce energy for everyone, everywhere, be it in offices, universities, airports or residential buildings. It is particularly difficult to install, for example, photovoltaics as a means of energy generation in residential buildings, as one must obtain permission from all residents and the landlord. This is why ‘Solarshades’ was created as it allows everyone to directly produce their own energy in their own living space.
Why We wanted to improve the individual work/life situation and impact the cityscape in a non-obstructive way. Bulky photovoltaic panels are not aesthetically pleasing and they do not blend in with the historical facades in a city. Due to the flexibility in shape, ‘Solarshades’ are able to achieve a positive influence on a cityscape. Furthermore, when moving the elements in a room, the light irritation changes, and abstract shadow plays enter it. In this way, the panels not only serve as sustainable energy source, but also offer sun protection and provide privacy.
How The project uses a solar technology where the individual solar cells production requires a small amount of energy – organic photovoltaic (OPV). By collaborating with the world’s leading OPV manufacturer ASCA, the project shows how to integrate these panels into a functional and decorative blind, thereby shifting the aesthetics from bulky PV panels to a thin, light and colorful way of producing sustainable energy.
CONTACT julian@paula.co.at / paul@canfora.at
