Solar Architecture in Multi-Family Construction
Energy-Generating Building: A New Standard in Construction
Modern multi-family buildings can not only save energy, but also produce it. Thanks to integrated solar systems, such as eBlade railings or ZIP Screen shading systems, we can transform traditional architectural elements into active energy sources. In practice, this means that balconies, facades and common elements can work to reduce the operating costs of the building.
For example, a typical 6-storey building with 24 balconies equipped with eBlade solar railings can generate about 12 kWp of power. This is enough to power the lighting of common areas, elevators and security systems. Moreover, surplus energy can be used to charge electric cars in the underground garage.
Intelligent Energy Accounting in Shared Parts
The energy accounting system in multi-apartment buildings with solar installations can be organized in several ways:
Direct Billing: Energy is primarily used to power common areas, which directly translates into lower operating fees for all residents. In this model, savings are divided equally between all owners.
Individual Billing: Energy from solar railings can be assigned to specific apartments. For example, an apartment with a balcony equipped with an eBlade system can use the generated energy for its own needs, which translates into lower bills for the owner.
Hybrid System: Combines both of the above solutions — part of the energy is fed to the common parts, and part is accounted for individually. This solution is especially attractive in buildings with different types of housing and different energy requirements.
Impact on Building Maintenance Costs
The use of solar architecture significantly affects the economy of operation of the building. Here are specific examples:
- Lighting common areas: The annual energy consumption for lighting staircases, corridors and the area around the building can be reduced by up to 80%.
- Shading systems: ZIP Screen with solar modules not only generate energy, but also reduce air conditioning costs in apartments by 30-40% during the summer season.
- Elevators and security systems: Energy from solar systems can cover up to 60% of the demand of these systems.
An example 6-storey building with a full system of solar architecture can reduce the annual energy costs of common areas by PLN 15-20 thousand.
Increase in Investment Value
Solar architecture is not only operational savings, but above all an increase in the value of the entire investment:
Market Value: Buildings with integrated solar systems achieve 8-12% higher selling prices than comparable standard facilities.
Sales Speed: Apartments in buildings equipped with solar systems sell on average 30% faster than in traditional buildings.
Competitiveness: In light of the new EU regulations requiring the use of RES in new buildings from 2029, earlier implementation of these solutions builds a competitive advantage.
Practical Aspects of Implementation
When planning solar architecture in a multi-family building, it is worth paying attention to several key aspects:
Integrated Design: Solar systems should be considered as early as the architectural concept stage. This allows you to make optimal use of the available space and maintain visual consistency.
Staging of the Investment: It is possible to decompose the implementation of solar systems into stages, starting with the common parts and gradually expanding the system to the next elements of the building.
Financing: Various financing models are available, including operating leasing of solar systems or special credit lines for sustainable construction.
Electrotile Support
As a partner in the field of solar architecture, Electrotile offers comprehensive support at every stage of the investment:
- Free visuals and concept designs
- Technical advice and assistance in the selection of optimal solutions
- Support in the process of obtaining permits and certification
- Training for building management teams
- Complete technical documentation and marketing materials
Solar architecture in multi-family construction is not only a trend, but above all a rational response to rising energy costs and regulatory requirements. Electrotile solar systems allow you to transform a standard building into a modern, energy-efficient facility, increasing its market value and attractiveness for future residents.
The key to success is a comprehensive approach, combining different elements of solar architecture into a coherent system that not only generates energy, but also raises the standard of living of residents. The investment in these solutions pays off not only through lower operating costs, but above all through a higher value of the entire property.
