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Invisible Solar

Invisible Solar is a new PV technology that take on the appearance of any building material. Each Invisible Solar module is more than a photovoltaic panel, it also is an active architectural element with various functionality.

Disguising solar panels as ancient Roman tiles in Pompeii

“They look exactly like the terracotta tiles used by the Romans, but they produce the electricity that we need to light the frescoes,” says Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. This solution is part of a more comprehensive strategy to turn costs into savings opportunities and to embrace sustainable development.

Technically called “traditional PV tiles”, the invisible solar panels used in Pompeii come from Camisano Vicentino, a little Italian town with slightly more than 10 000 inhabitants, halfway between Padua and Vicenza. They were created and patented by the family business Dyaqua.

How They Work

Operating of Invisible Solar modules is based on the low molecular density. Each module is composed of a non-toxic and recyclable polymeric compound we properly developed to encourage the photon absorption.

Inside the module there are incorporated standard monocrystalline silicon cells. The surface, that is opaque at the sight but translucent to sun rays, allows the light to enter and feed the cells.

Oh my goodness. 

Solar voltaic’s designed for historic contexts that offers architectural and aesthetic integration? 

AND they are already installed in Pompeii and not marketing vapourware?

AND they are made by a small Italian family business? 

Be still my beating solarpunk heart 🥰 ☀️

via @stml​ in a forum.