This is how a durable, safe, and energy-optimized PV facade was created – without compromises in load-bearing capacity and aesthetics.
The building measures 44.85 m × 17.78 m × 14.68 m and was constructed using reinforced concrete. For Flex Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH as the client, the focus was a building envelope that convinces both visually and energetically. The PV system is not merely mounted but fully integrated as building-integrated photovoltaics into the ventilated curtain façade (VCF) – thus becoming an integral part of the sustainable energy concept.
The planners addressed the requirements for design, function, thermal insulation, and especially fire protection (building class 4, flame resistant) in an aesthetically appealing and economically viable way. In the implementation, two trades worked closely together: the solar installer ELDI Solar GmbH from Stuttgart and the façade builder Metallbauer Reinhardt GmbH from Bad Rappenau. The result is an office building whose façade combines aesthetics, safety, and economical, sustainable power generation.
Used were glass-glass solar modules of the type Solarwatt vision GM 3.0 construct, fastened via fischer facade systems. The basis of the solar facade substructure consisted of angle-shaped L-wall brackets FLH R made of stainless steel, part of the vertical support system ATK 100. These brackets score with very good building physics properties and anchor the construction with fischer fasteners with low thermal bridging in the reinforced concrete facade.
In the further construction, the system was supplemented by T-profiles and the ATK 103 P20 supporting structures, which, in combination with the vertical substructure, ensure secure load transfer. The photovoltaic facade mounting of the modules itself was done using the clamp system. Since the geometries of the clamps and ATK-103-P20 profiles are precisely coordinated, the PV modules could be hung quickly, securely, and in compliance with standards. For optimized load distribution, additional vertical hat profiles ATK 103 V were used, over which the modules could be directly hung into the horizontal supporting system.
The assembly-friendly substructure meets the low-energy standard and, together with the Solarwatt vision GM 3.0 construct glass-glass modules, forms a tested and approved system solution. By using the stainless steel brackets FLH R, thermal bridges were minimized and the energy efficiency of the entire building envelope maximized.
“In addition to the ideally coordinated system solution for the PV facade of the new office building of Flex Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH, we offered comprehensive technical support including joint consultation and support with the module manufacturer to optimally meet static, structural, and design requirements,” emphasizes Mirco Kurth, Technical Field Service, Project Development, Architect Services Domestic at fischer BWM Facade Systems.
