eFence color customization - more than just color

problem

Remember that moment when you first saw your dream home on a visualization? Every detail was refined, the colors perfectly harmonized with each other, creating a harmonious whole. And then it was time for a fence with photovoltaic panels and... the whole carefully planned architectural concept lay in ruins.

This is a problem that architects and investors face almost every day. Standard photovoltaic fences are like a suit from a power grid - it seems to fit, but everyone sees that it is not. Available usually in basic black or anthracite, they become the “elephant in the composition of porcelain” - an element that, instead of complementing the architecture, is striking in the eye with its mismatched presence.

“When I designed a residence in subdued beiges and grays for a client in Wilanów,” says Marek, an architect with 15 years of experience, “everything was perfect until the client wanted a fence with photovoltaic panels. Standard black panels completely disrupted the concept. It was like putting on red shoes with an elegant suit.”

The problem becomes even more serious when local architectural requirements come into play. In many prestigious districts or settlements there are strict guidelines for the coloring of fences. “We had the case of an investor from Konstancin,” recalls Piotr from the design studio, “where the local plan precisely determined the acceptable colors of the fences. None of the photovoltaic systems available on the market met these requirements.”

The situation is no better when it comes to upgrading existing properties. The owners, who over the years have carefully selected every element of the finish - from the tile to the door handles - are faced with a dilemma: either give up the ecological source of energy, or come to terms with the fact that their fence will be an aesthetic remorse.

Moreover, standard photovoltaic systems often force compromises in other aspects of design. “I had a client who wanted to perfectly match the color of the fence to the Winchester colored window joinery,” says Anna, interior designer. “With traditional systems, this was impossible. She had to choose between aesthetics and ecology.”

This situation is especially frustrating when we consider how much attention modern investors place on design. According to market research, more than 70% of homeowners consider color consistency to be one of the key elements affecting property value. At the same time, 85% of them declare interest in photovoltaic solutions - provided that they will not spoil the aesthetics of the property.

The problem of color mismatch is not limited to visual aspects only. Incorrectly selected colors can lead to overheating of the panels, which translates into their lower performance. Black, standard panels in full sun can reach temperatures that significantly reduce their efficiency. This shows that color is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of the practical usability of the system.

How did we solve the problem of mismatched colors?

When we designed the eFence system, we knew that the issue of color would be one of the key ones. However, we did not intend to create another product available in “any color, provided it is black” - as Henry Ford used to say. Our goal was to develop a system that actually allows for full color personalization.

“At first it seemed impossible,” recalls Tomasz, Electrotile's chief technologist. “The combination of photovoltaics and powder coating presented us with huge technological challenges. But after two years of research and testing, we were able to develop a unique technology that makes it possible.”

The key to success was our own fully automated powder coating plant. Unlike traditional painting systems, we use an advanced multi-layer process. The first layer is a special preparatory coating that provides perfect adhesion to subsequent layers. Then the right color layer is applied, selected individually from the RAL palette - this gives us access to more than 200 standard colors.

“However, this is not the end of the process,” explains Tomasz. “The most important thing is the last layer - a specially developed protective varnish. It is he who keeps the color unchanged for years, regardless of weather conditions.”

But technology alone is not everything. Equally important is the process of choosing the right color. Each customer receives from us a special set of color samples, made in exactly the same technology as the target fence. This allows you to see how a given color will look in different lighting and how it blends with the rest of the architectural elements.

“This is a revolution in the approach to personalization,” says Marta, an architect working with Electrotile. “Previously, we had to rely on RAL templates, which often differed significantly from the final effect. Now we can show the customer exactly what their fence will look like.”

However, the sample system is only the beginning of the support we provide in the color selection process. Our experts, using specialized 3D visualization software, can show how different color variants will blend in with the architecture of the building. Moreover, we help you choose shades that not only look aesthetically pleasing, but also ensure optimal energy efficiency of the system.

“It is not that every color has the same effect on the performance of photovoltaic panels,” explains Dr. Piotr Kowalski, an expert in photovoltaics. “A properly selected shade can improve system efficiency by up to 5-10% compared to traditional black panels.”

It is also worth mentioning the possibility of combining different colors within a single system. Thanks to the modular design of eFence, we can create interesting color compositions, for example contrasting posts with fillings or creating subtle color gradations along the fence.

What are the benefits of color personalization?

It may seem that the color of the fence is a purely aesthetic issue, but reality shows something completely different. Let's look at the example of the Kowalski people from Józefów near Warsaw, who decided on the eFence system in a color perfectly matched to the window joinery of their house.

“Initially, we were hesitant about whether it was worth paying extra for color personalization,” admits Tomasz Kowalski. “But when the appraiser valued our property, he paid special attention to the visual consistency of the entire property. As it turned out, a well-chosen fence color increased the value of the house by about 3-4%.”

This is not an isolated case. Real estate market research shows that harmoniously designed properties, where all the elements - from the roof to the fence - form a coherent whole, sell on average 15-20% faster than similar properties with random coloring.

But the benefits do not end with the financial aspects. Thoughtful coloring of the fence can significantly affect the functionality of the entire property. Anna, landscape architect, explains: “The right color of the fence can visually enlarge the garden, create a sense of depth or separate functional zones. It's a design tool that, when used properly, can work wonders.”

Moreover, the eFence colour personalisation also brings practical operational benefits:

· Color fastness: With advanced powder coating technology, the color remains unchanged for a minimum of 10 years, without fading or discoloration

· Ease of cleaning: Special protective coating makes dirt do not bite into the surface and can be easily removed with plain water

· Damage resistance: Multi-layer coating structure protects the fence from minor scratches and bumps

“What surprised our customers the most,” says Marek from Electrotile's customer service department, “is the fact that color personalization does not negatively affect the performance of the photovoltaic system. On the contrary, in some cases, brighter colors help lower the operating temperature of the panels, which translates into higher efficiency.”

And what about the issue of maintenance? Here, too, the eFence system surprises positively. The color coating is so durable that for the first 10 years it does not require any maintenance procedures other than normal washing. This is a huge savings compared to traditional fences, which often need to be refreshed every 2-3 years.

“We have the greatest satisfaction when customers show us photos of their realizations after a few years” - adds Marek. “The fences look exactly the same as on the day of installation, the colors are just as vivid and saturated. This is the best confirmation that our technology is working.”

In conclusion, the color personalization of the eFence system is not a whim or an unnecessary luxury. It is a well-thought-out investment that translates into real benefits — from property value growth, to practical aspects of use, to long-term savings on maintenance. In a world where more and more attention is paid to individualization and tailoring of products to specific needs, the ability to fully customize the color of a photovoltaic fence is becoming not so much an addition as a standard that conscious investors expect.

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