ASF@HoNR Zurich

Demonstrator of /
ASF – Adaptive Solar Facade

Construction /
2015

Selected Publications /
1 / P. Jayathissa, M. Jansen, N. Heeren, Z. Nagy, A. Schlueter. "Life Cycle Assessment of Dynamic Building Integrated Photovoltaics," in: Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 156 (2016): 75-​82. DOI Research Collection

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In order to study the Adaptive Solar Facade under real-​life conditions, a first prototype was implemented in 2015 on the south-​facing facade of the House of Natural Resources (HoNR) on ETH Zurich’s Hoenggerberg campus. With the research project focusing on both energy optimization and user comfort, the evaluation of the prototype relied not only on sensors in the interior space (temperature, air humidity, light) but also on regular surveys assessing user satisfaction.

In terms of solar yield, a sunny day in Zurich showed an energy increase of between 61% and 73% over static modules at the reference position, i.e. vertically and parallel to the facade. Life cycle calculations have shown that the ASF can make up for the energy required for its manufacture after approx. 18 months and the emissions after approx. 24 months.