flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

First large-scale use of perovskite solar cells in office building slated for Poland this year

Codes and Standards

First large-scale use of perovskite solar cells in office building slated for Poland this year

Skanska will integrate the technology into building facades.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | January 31, 2018

Skanska’s commercial development business unit in Central Eastern Europe says it will be the first developer to cover office buildings with semi-transparent perovskite solar cells on a commercial scale.

Perovskites are crystalline materials that have great potential to replace silicon in solar power generation. Skanska will apply the technology, developed by Saule Technologies, onto its projects in 2018.

This will be a significant milestone towards zero-energy and carbon neutral office buildings, Skanska says. The company says that the stability and water resistance of the modules makes them ideal for the construction industry.

“Our modules are lighter, thinner, and much more design-friendly than the most popular silicon solar cells,” says Olga Malinkiewicz, co-founder and CTO at Saule Technologies. “We may customize the shape, color, and size of the module depending on the needs of the customer and install them wherever there is a free area on the building.”

Related Stories

MFPRO+ News | May 21, 2024

Massachusetts governor launches advocacy group to push for more housing

Massachusetts’ Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll have taken the unusual step of setting up a nonprofit to advocate for pro-housing efforts at the local level. One Commonwealth Inc., will work to provide political and financial support for local housing initiatives, a key pillar of the governor’s agenda.

Building Tech | May 21, 2024

In a world first, load-bearing concrete walls built with a 3D printer

A Germany-based construction engineering company says it has constructed the world’s first load-bearing concrete walls built with a 3D printer. Züblin built a new warehouse from a single 3D print for Strabag Baumaschinentechnik International in Stuttgart, Germany using a Putzmeister 3D printer. 

MFPRO+ News | May 20, 2024

Florida condo market roiled by structural safety standards law

A Florida law enacted after the Surfside condo tower collapse is causing turmoil in the condominium market. The law, which requires buildings to meet certain structural safety standards, is forcing condo associations to assess hefty fees to make repairs on older properties. In some cases, the cost per unit runs into six figures.

Codes and Standards | May 10, 2024

California law that ended single-family zoning is struck down by court

A law ending single-family-home-only zoning in California was ruled unconstitutional by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge. The decision could lead to the law being invalidated in the state’s largest cities. 

Sustainability | May 10, 2024

Perkins&Will’s first ESG report discloses operational performance data across key metrics

Perkins&Will recently released its first ESG report that discloses the firm’s operational performance data across key metrics and assesses its strengths and opportunities.

Codes and Standards | May 10, 2024

Guide on electrifying space heating for large commercial buildings with boilers released

The U.S. Department of Energy has released a guide on electrifying space heating for large commercial buildings with boilers. The guide summarizes key considerations for people seeking to retrofit existing large commercial and multifamily buildings, particularly those that currently heat spaces using fossil fuel-fired boilers.

MFPRO+ News | May 10, 2024

HUD strengthens flood protection rules for new and rebuilt residential buildings

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued more stringent flood protection requirements for new and rebuilt homes that are developed with, or financed with, federal funds. The rule strengthens standards by increasing elevations and flood-proofing requirements of new properties in areas at risk of flooding. 

Government Buildings | May 10, 2024

New federal buildings must be all-electric by 2030

A new Biden Administration rule bans the use of fossil fuels in new federal buildings beginning in 2030. The announcement came despite longstanding opposition to the rule by the natural gas industry. 

Codes and Standards | May 10, 2024

Specification for field testing newly installed storefronts, curtain walls, sloped glazing systems updated

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) updated a specification establishing requirements for field testing newly installed storefronts, curtain walls, and sloped glazing systems.

Codes and Standards | May 3, 2024

New York City considering bill to prevent building collapses

The New York City Council is considering a proposed law with the goal of preventing building collapses. The Billingsley Structural Integrity Act is a response to the collapse of 1915 Billingsley Terrace in the Bronx last December. 

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021