Net-Zero Solar Academy, Germany – SMA
If you’re one of the world’s leading developers and manufacturers of solar panels, what better way to prove your product works than creating a building that is run by them? The training facility, based in Niestetal, Germany has a zero-energy footprint with power coming from a wall of integrated photovoltaic panels.
The contemporary design for the structure itself is from Kassel based HHS Architektens, and serves as a great platform for the technology. It’s hoped that the centre, working as both an academic and educational institute will inspire the public as well as the attending students to be bolder in their adoption of clean energy and the accompanying architectural elements.
The building exhibits passive examples of energy retention and generation through its incorporation of south facing glass walls. Each of the glass panels on the south facing glass wall contain integrated solar panel technology, thereby increasing both the amount of glazing and solar panels that can be fitted on the one wall.
During times of high energy production, large on site batteries will store the extra electricity for times when the weather is not so conducive to energy production. This will allow the centre to remain off the national power grid, and be completely self supportive.
via:[Inhabitat]
[HHS Architekten]
