eBlade modular solar system: create without limits

Challenges of modern solar architecture

Imagine an architect sitting over the design of a modern office building. On his desk lie the latest regulations on energy efficiency, which clearly indicate - by 2029, every new building must be equipped with photovoltaic systems. This is not a technical problem - the market offers hundreds of different solar panels. The problem arises when an architect tries to combine these requirements with his vision of an elegant, modern building.

Traditional photovoltaic panels are a bit like black chocolate slices glued to the roof or facade. Although they are energy efficient, they completely disrupt the aesthetics of the building. Moreover, their standard dimensions - usually about 2 meters by 1 meter - significantly limit the design possibilities. It's like trying to arrange an image from a few large rectangles instead of thousands of small pixels.

“In one of our last projects, we had to abandon the observation deck on the roof, because it was the only area where we could fit the required photovoltaic installation,” says Marek Kowalski, an architect with 15 years of experience. “The customer was disappointed, but we had no choice. Standard panels simply take up too much space and cannot be mounted where they would actually be useful.”

The problem is growing especially in multi-family and commercial projects. The roof area is limited and often already occupied by air conditioning systems, ventilation or skylights. Facades? Theoretically possible, but traditional panels would completely change the character of the building. What about balconies that could generate energy while being functional elements of the building? With standard solutions, this is impossible.

An additional challenge is the phasing of investments. Building owners often want to start with a smaller installation and gradually expand it. However, traditional photovoltaic systems are like a rigid suit - either fit perfectly or not at all. There is no room for flexibility or gradual expansion without significant interference with an already existing installation.

These limitations often leave architects with a difficult choice: either meet renewable energy requirements at the expense of the aesthetics and functionality of the building, or keep the design clean at the risk of not meeting energy standards. As a result, buildings are created that either do not fully use their energy potential or lose their architectural value.

“The most frustrating thing is that we know there is a huge potential for solar energy generation in buildings,” Kowalski adds. “Railings, blinds, partitions - all these elements could produce energy if only we had the right tools to design them. Instead, we are forced to design buildings around standard photovoltaic panels, which completely reverses the logic of the design process.”

It is in response to these challenges that the eBlade modular photovoltaic system concept was created, which completely changes the approach to integrating photovoltaics into architecture.

eBlade - LEGO-inspired system

When the Electrotile team of engineers started working on a new photovoltaic system, they looked not for inspiration in the world of energy, but... in a box of LEGO bricks. “We wondered what makes LEGO bricks so versatile,” recalls the system's chief designer. “The answer was simple: standard pieces that can be combined in an infinite number of ways. This is exactly what solar architecture needed.”

This is how the eBlade system was born - a set of modular photovoltaic slats available in three basic sizes: S (130mm), M (165mm) and L (240mm). Each lamella is an elegant aluminum profile with an integrated photovoltaic cell. However, this is only the beginning of the possibilities. The system allows you to mount the slats both vertically and horizontally, at any angle from 0° to 90° (adjustable every 15°). They can be installed directly to the facade in a frameless system or mounted in a frame, forming larger modules.

“It's a bit like a symphony orchestra,” explains the architect working with the system. “You have different instruments (lamellas) at your disposal, you can arrange them in different configurations (angles, spacing), and the whole creates a harmonious composition. With traditional panels, it's more like playing a single instrument — the possibilities are severely limited.”

Moreover, the system is designed with real energy needs in mind. The smallest possible installation, eligible for grid connection, requires a minimum of 700Wp of power. In practice, this means that an area of 2m x 2.5m with L-type lamellas generates sufficient power (836Wp). This is the area of a typical balcony in a multi-family building.

The real magic of the system, however, is manifested in its versatility. The same lamellas can play the role of:

• Energy-generating balcony railing
• facade blinds to protect from the sun
• technical device masking shutter
• electricity generating fence
• walls in a pergola or carport

Each element can be additionally equipped with LED lighting integrated into the profile, creating spectacular illuminations after dark. The system also allows for a phased expansion - you can start with a single balcony and gradually add more elements, without having to rebuild the existing installation.

“It has completely changed the way we design,” admits one of the architects using the system. “We no longer have to 'hide' photovoltaic elements or make aesthetic compromises. On the contrary, the eBlade system becomes a distinctive element of architecture, giving the building a modern character.”

It is worth adding that the system is designed for ease of installation. Special mounting clips and a guide system significantly speed up the installation. And since each lamella is an independent module, the possible replacement or service of a single element does not affect the operation of the entire system.

“It's like building with LEGO bricks,” the system installer sums up. “Everything fits together, the assembly is intuitive, and the final result depends only on the imagination of the designer.”

A new era in solar design

Let's imagine the future of construction for a moment. Buildings not only serve their residents or users, but actively participate in energy production. Every element - from the railing to the blind - has its own contribution to the energy balance. With eBlade, this future is becoming a reality today.

“For the first time in my career, I can say to a client: yes, we can install photovoltaics exactly where you need it, in a form that will enrich the architecture of the building,” says Anna Wiśniewska, an architect specializing in commercial projects. “It completely changes the dynamics of the conversation with the investor.”

Let's look at the specific benefits on the example of a real project - a six-story office building in the city center. Traditionally, the architect would only have a roof for a photovoltaic installation - about 400m² of area, half of which is occupied by air conditioning systems. Using the eBlade system, the same building can generate energy from:

• railing on terraces (8kWp)
• facade blinds (12kWp)
• technical shutters masking air conditioners (5kWp)
• carport in the parking lot (10kWp)

In total, this gives 35kWp of installed capacity, which is more than twice as much as would be possible with the use of the roof alone. Moreover, each of these elements performs an additional functional function - it provides safety, protects from the sun or acts as a roof for cars.

Of particular interest is the financial aspect. “Initially, investors are surprised by the higher price of the system compared to standard panels,” admits Wiśniewska. “But when we show them that instead of three separate expenses - for railings, a shading system and a photovoltaic installation - they have one solution that fulfills all these functions, the perspective changes. In addition, the value of real estate is growing due to its modern, high-tech character.”

The system is also proving itself in the context of upcoming regulations. RepowerEU requires all new buildings to produce energy from the sun by 2029. Buildings equipped with the eBlade system already meet these requirements, giving investors confidence that their property will comply with future standards.

“What I appreciate most about the eBlade system is its scalability,” Wiśniewska adds. “We can start with a basic installation on the railings, and then, when additional resources or needs arise, expand the system with additional elements. Each addition not only increases energy production, but also adds new features to the building.”

It is also worth mentioning the aesthetic aspect. The eBlade system can be finished in any color from the RAL palette, allowing it to perfectly match the character of the building. Integrated LED lighting further highlights the architecture after dark, creating striking illuminations.

The eBlade system is not just a product - it is a new approach to building design, where each element can be an active energy producer without losing its basic function and aesthetics. It's a solution that allows architects to design the buildings of the future today, without compromising form and function.

As one of the architects concludes: “eBlade is not so much a photovoltaic system as a design tool. It gives us the freedom of creation that was lacking in traditional solar solutions. It is this creative freedom, combined with practical functionality, that makes the system a game changer in solar architecture.”

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