Opvius has announced they have produced and shipped the "world's first" large-scale polycarbonate laminated OPV modules to the Communaute de Communes Adour- Madiran (CCAM) in France ready for installation in heritage and cultural sites where traditional PV modules are often excluded from installation.
According to the announcement Opvius has developed and manufactured OPV modules to not only generate energy and protect people from the harsh southern sun in the summer but also to protect them from the penetrating hail and sleet in the winter. The design has resulted in a product that is as easy to install as standard polycarbonate sheets - that is widely used within the construction industry.
These panels are part of the first shipment of more than 700 in total, which will be installed around the CCAM region in several independent projects to demonstrate the aesthetics, functionality and adaptability of Organic PV to local needs and weather conditions.
Opvius said that their OPV design makes it easy to place the OPV elements as sun and rain shades on metal and wooden frames, and as decoration on roofs and vertical walls in small villages and large towns. They are available in individual colour and shape to fit in discreetly with sensitive cultural sites, respecting local cultures and environments, which opens the possibility of a steady, modern power supply even in ancient cultural centers.
As well as being non-intrusive, OPV panels are non-toxic and entirely recyclable, making them an acceptable technology renewable energy in all built environments.
Moreover Opvius has already received approval for OPV modules to be incorporated into public buildings where standard PV modules are banned. Conventional silicon PV modules are excluded from many French villages cause their appearance clashes with local classified monuments, historical architecture and France's rich cultural heritage, an important part of country's life and tourism.
The OPVIUS OPV modules can now be installed in those villages that have turned down other panels because of planning restrictions.
This work is strongly supported by the IPREM, which initiated the project.
Mr. Patrick Baylère, Project Manager for the OPV projects at CCAM, said, "We were intrigued by the endless possibilities of OPV installations right from the start." Patrick added, "Our centers reflect the culture of construction of smaller villages in Southern France and any technology that is applied needs to fit in with that and adapts to the situation. Moreover, some projects are sensitive to the preservation of sites of historic interest. OPV adapts to this situation and offers solutions instead of creating issues. Our will has been to ensure that each building produces more energy than it consumes, and in this process, give local craftsmen the opportunity to work with this new technology."
Dr. Roger Hiorns, IPREM, said, "While we are well-involved in the technical side of OPVIUS's modules, we are really looking forward to expanding our education program. In complete harmony with COP20 and COP21 agreements, we are participating in bringing a new renewable energy into the hands of local people and giving them the power and information to decide what they want to do with it. This is an extraordinarily exciting period for OPV, and we're very proud to be able to participate in its development with our partners."
Hermann Issa, Senior Director of Business Development and Sales at OPVIUS, said, "For us it has been important to provide solutions that can be adapted to local buildings, especially in places of historic interest. With our solar active and aesthetic version of polycarbonate sheets, we come pretty close to that."