Façades of industrial buildings as an expression of changes in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) aesthetics

Magdalena Muszyńska-Łanowy, Magdalena Baborska-Narożny

doi:10.37190/arc250415

Abstract

The article’s subject is the evolution of opaque building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems’ aesthetics in industrial architecture. Photovoltaics, as a key element of buildings’ energy transformation, gains significance – particularly due to the possibility of integration with façades. However, BIPV solutions remain niche, mainly due to high costs, technical complexity, and limited awareness among designers.

The study’s objective was to show how the technological evolution of opaque photovoltaic modules influenced changes in industrial façades’ aesthetics. A review of contemporary realizations and developmental trends in the integration of photovoltaics with architecture is presented.

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2025

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Magdalena Muszyńska-Łanowy*, Magdalena Baborska-Narożny**

Industrial building façades as a showcase

of changes in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) aesthetics

DOI: 10.37190/arc250415

Published in open access. CC BY NC ND license

Abstract

The article analyzes the evolution of the aesthetics of opaque Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems in industrial architecture. Pho-

tovoltaics (PV), as a key element in the energy transformation of buildings, are gaining signicance – particularly due to their potential for façade

integration. However, BIPV solutions remain a niche, mainly due to high costs, technical complexity, and limited awareness among designers.

The aim of the study is to show how the technological evolution of opaque PV modules has inuenced changes in the aesthetics of industrial

building façades. The research is based on an analysis of academic literature, technical documentation, and eld observations of selected buildings

in Germany and Poland. Four case studies were examined, representing key stages in the development of BIPV: from early silicon-based modules,

through glass thin-lm technologies, exible laminates, to advanced aesthetic solutions with interference coatings.

The results indicate a clear shift in BIPV design approach – from emphasizing PV technology as a feature of futuristic design, to seeking visual

harmony and “aesthetic camouage” of PV modules. BIPV aesthetics are becoming increasingly customized thanks to growing possibilities for per-

sonalizing the color, format, and texture of modules. Despite technological advancements, BIPV-integrated façades remain rarely used in industrial

buildings, where rooftop-mounted Building-Applied Photovoltaics (BAPV) systems still dominate.

Further development of BIPV in industrial architecture requires greater awareness among designers and the promotion of successful implemen-

tations that combine energy generation with high architectural quality.

Key words: industrial architecture, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), photovoltaic aesthetics, BIPV façades, opaque photovoltaics

Introduction

Photovoltaics (PV) play an important role in the building

sector’s transition to clean and sustainable energy (Constan-

tinou et al. 2024; Van Noord et al. 2025). Specically, PV

systems have become integral to redening the function of

building envelopes (Bonomo, Frontini 2024). This shift is

driven by the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Direc-

tive (EPBD), reinforced by the Green Deal and “Fit for 55”

package, aiming for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas

emissions by 2030. The industrial sector poses unique chal-

lenges (Neuwirth, Fleiter and Hofmann 2024); however, PV

is still regarded as having potential to support the transition

of less energy-intensive industries towards a carbon-neutral

future.

Among all renewable energy options, PV are unique in

their capacity to be integrated into the building envelope.

Since the rst rooftop installations on industrial buildings

in the 1980s, PV technologies have evolved to enable fa-

çade integration. Building-Applied Photovoltaics (BAPV)

– stan dard panels mounted onto existing structures – have

become the mainstream solution for industrial buildings due

to their cost-eectiveness and ease of installation. However,

while eective in terms of energy generation, such solutions

proved insucient in terms of aesthetic expectations (Van

Noord et al. 2025). To address these concerns, Building-

Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) have gained prominence

by replacing traditional construction materials and trans

forming building envelopes into active, multifunctional

skins that not only generate energy and provide weather

protection, but also contribute meaningfully to architectural

design.

* ORCID: 0000-0003-4951-2034. Faculty of Architecture, Wro -

cław University of Science and Technology, Poland, e-mail: magdalena.

muszynska@pwr.edu.pl

** ORCID: 0000-0001-6860-5186. Faculty of Architecture, Wro-

cław University of Science and Technology, Poland.

158 Magdalena Muszyńska-Łanowy, Magdalena Baborska-Narożny

This article examines the evolution of opaque photo-

voltaic technologies applied to industrial building façades,

with particular emphasis on their aesthetic transformation.

Drawing on selected case studies, it demonstrates how key

technological milestones have inuenced design strategies

in this eld. Although the main focus is on BIPV systems,

the study also considers hybrid BAPV/BIPV applications

that reect broader trends in the visual and material inte-

gration of photovoltaics within industrial contexts. For the

purpose of this research, the term industrial buildings refers

to production, research, and environmental infrastructure

facilities characterized by large façades, modular struc-

tures, and high potential for photovoltaic integration. Such

buildings, oering good solar exposure, extensive surfaces,

design exibility, and strong association with technological

innovation, provide particularly suitable conditions for ex-

ploring the aesthetic evolution of BIPV.

The adoption of BIPV façades in industrial contexts re-

mains limited. Key barriers to broader uptake across build-

ing typologies include higher costs, technical complexity,

and a lack of awareness or knowledge among stakehold

ers

(Bonomo et al. 2024; Smith et al. 2024; Parolini et al. 2024).

Studies on architects’ attitudes toward PV have shown

that

aesthetic considerations are the primary factor for over 85%

of respondents when selecting BIPV – ranking higher than

cost or performance (Basher et al. 2023). Nonetheless,

aware ness of available design options remains low, under-

scoring the need for reliable databases, accessible refer-

ences, and broader dissemination of technical and design

information. Early academic studies on BIPV men tioned

industrial buildings among other typologies (Ha ge mann

2002; Marchwiński 2005). Later research that focused more

specically on this eld (Muszyńska-Łanowy 2009) did not

yet capture the broader aesthetic development of BIPV, as

the technology was then at an early stage of its architectur-

al implementation. Contemporary literature still discusses

mostly isolated cases of BIPV façade applications in in-

dustrial settings without tracing their evolution. This arti-

cle seeks to address that gap by providing insight into how

the changing properties of opaque PV have transformed the

aesthetics of industrial facilities.

Methods

This study employs a multi-source research approach,

in tegrating both primary and secondary data. A comprehen-

sive literature review was undertaken, drawing on published

books related to BIPV and peer-reviewed articles accessed

through Google Scholar and ResearchGate databases. Due

to research focus on industry standards and specic prod-

ucts also grey literature was considered. Reports published

by the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power

Sys tems Programme (IEA PVPS) were examined to pro-

vide up-to-date insights and an overview of the current state

of BIPV technologies and their international deployment.

Technical data sheets and handbooks from manufacturers

of construction materials and PV modules were reviewed

to assess the physical characteristics of BIPV systems.

First- hand knowledge on state-of-the-art of technology was

ob tained during the Intersolar trade fair in Munich, where

direct engagement with industry professionals, product de-

mon strations, and expert lectures provided insight into cur-

rent trends and market innovations.

Following the in-depth understanding of the technology

development stages, the case studies were selected as rep-

resentative examples of signicant BIPV applications and

design solutions in industrial buildings. The selected sites

include two manufacturing plants, one research and labo-

ratory facility and a waste treatment plant. The geographic

scope is limited to projects located in Germany and Poland,

reecting the spatial dissemination of the technology. Site

visits were conducted to allow for direct observation and

photographic documentation of the façade systems and the

architectural integration of BIPV. The photographic docu-

mentation was collected over several years: 2007 (Gelsen-

kirchen); 2014, 2025 (Berlin Adlershof).

BIPV: Definition and challenges

of opaque façade integration

Integrating PV into the building envelope creates a mul-

tifunctional system that serves both as an energy generator

and a construction element (Kuhn et al. 2021). This dual role

requires an interdisciplinary approach – combining archi-

tectural design, structural engineering, and solar technolo-

gy. According to IEC 63092 and EN 50583, BIPV systems

must comply with both electrical and construction standards.

A PV module qualies as “building-integrated” when it re-

places conventional materials and contributes structurally to

the envelope; its removal necessitates a substitute construc-

tion element. Beyond electricity generation, it must ensure,

e.g., structural integrity, re and noise protection, environ-

mental separation, and safety – thus becoming an integral

part of the façade (Berger et al. 2018; Bonomo et al. 2021).

Various industrial building façade systems are suitable

for opaque BIPV integration; yet each presents challenges.

Achieving a balance between energy performance and aes-

thetic quality is particularly important (Smith et al. 2024;

Parolini et al. 2024).

Façades often face suboptimal solar exposure due to their

90° tilt, shading, and variable irradiance, requiring careful

material selection and system conguration to ensure su-

cient energy yield. PV modules integrated into façades are

exposed to elevated temperatures, leading to thermal stress,

reduced energy eciency and durability. Cold façades – with

layered construction and ventilation cavities – are well-suit-

ed for BIPV, enabling passive cooling and concealed wiring

without compromising structural integrity. In such systems,

standard or customized BIPV modules can replace opaque

cladding. Their modular nature simplies in stalla tion and

maintenance. Warm façades without venti lation require spe-

cic PV material solutions capable of withstanding higher

operating temperatures.

A wide range of PV module types, typically with a 30-year

service life, is suitable for both new and retrot projects. Over

200 commercial BIPV products are currently available in the

European Union (Bonomo, Frontini 2024; Basher et al. 2023).

Façade-integrated PV systems must meet high aesthetic

standards (Li et al. 2025; Borja Block et al. 2024). To ensure

architectural coherence, opaque BIPV often require proj-

Industrial building façades as a showcase of changes in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) aesthetics 159

ect-specic adaptations in module colour, texture, shape,

size, and cell layout (Kuhn et al. 2021). The increasing va-

riety of materials with diverse visual and technical proper-

ties and potential for customization, supports integration in

industrial architectural contexts. This design exibility is

essential to evolving the formal language of PV façades.

The evolution of BIPV in industrial architecture

Over the past 30 years, the evolution of BIPV in industrial

architecture has been driven by technological progress, en-

vironmental concerns, and architects’ ambitions to integrate

solar energy into building envelopes. As technologies ad-

vanced, PV systems became more ecient and diversied in

terms of materials and design. These improvements enabled

more seamless integration of PV components into building

structures. What began with the use of standard, o-the-shelf

modules has gradually evolved into project-specic solu-

tions tailored to architectural and functional requirements.

The following section presents four milestone buildings

showcasing opaque BIPV (Table 1).

Early integration – from BAPV to BIPV

In the late 1980s and 1990s, façade-mounted PV mod-

ules evolved from standard BAPV to more integrated BIPV

solutions. Early opaque PV solutions used crystalline silicon

(c-Si) solar cells in glass–foil laminates. Glass–glass mod-

ules, heavier and more expensive, were used less frequently.

Designs featured rectangular shapes, blue or black cells ar-

ranged in grids with visible busbars and aluminum frames.

Frameless modules oered a more seamless look but posed

delamination and mounting issues. Polycrystalline silicon

(p-Si) stood out for its shimmering, textured surface, rein-

forcing a high-tech aesthetic of building envelopes. Colorful

and geometric variations remained rare due to high costs

and eciency trade-os (Weller et al. 2010; Borja Block

et al. 2024).

A landmark project from this era is the Scheuten Solar

facility in Gelsenkirchen (1999). The most advanced solar

cell plant in Europe at the time combined high-performance

production with striking architecture, serving as both a fac-

tory and demonstration center to showcase cutting-edge PV

Case study building Scheuten Solar Soltecture Eco-incinerator

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin

(HZB)

Year constr./BIPV 1999 2009 2011-2015 /2019 2016 / 2021

Adress

Am Dahlbusch 23,

Gelsenkirchen

Groβ-Berliner Damm 152,

Berlin-Adlershof

Giedroyc Street 23,

Krakow

Albert-Einstein-Straße 15,

Berlin-Adlershof

Architectural office Hohaus & Partner Rainer Girke

Manufaktura Nr 1, Teller

Architekci, Łapiński

Architekci, PROCHEM

S.A.

DGI Bauwerk Gesellschaft

von Architekten mbH

Building function

Solar cells manufacturing

plant

PV modules

manufacturing plant

Waste incineration plant Research building

BIPV orientation SW SW, SE S N, W, S

BIPV tilt Variable 900 Variable 900

BIPV size 264 m

578 m

116 m

380 m

Cell technology Polycrystalline (p-Si)

Copper-Indium-Diselenide

(CIS)

Monocrystalline (m-Si)

Copper-Indium-Gallium-

Selenide (CIGS)

Module type Shell S115-C Soltecture SCG-HV-F DAS Energy 12x2M Avancis Skala 7003

Module construction Glass-Tedlar

Glass–glass ETFE / PET Glass–glass

Encapsulant E VA E VA

Patented fiberglass-

reinforced plastic

Polymer

Frame Framed Frameless Frameless Frameless

Module dimensions 1220 × 850 × 25 mm 1250 × 650 × 7 mm 2035 × 377 × 2 mm 1587 × 664 × 38 mm

Module weight 14 kg 12.6 kg 2.8 kg 17 kg

Module nominal

power

115 W 90 W 120 W 135 W

Module quantity 240 700 152 360/N 56, W 56, S 248

Mounting system

Mounted on

Kalzip

SolarClad

Concealed

Custom façade cassette

Direct bonding

Kalzip

AluPlus

Concealed

Metal curtain wall

Installed power 26.4 kWp 39 kWp 17.5 kWp 48.6 kWp

Annual yield n.d. 35 MWh/a 12 MWh/a 30 MWh/a

Table 1. The Evolution of BIPV in Industrial Architecture – technical characteristics of opaque PV façade systems implemented

in case study examples (elaborated by M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

Tabela 1. Ewolucja BIPV w architekturze przemysłowej – charakterystyka techniczna nieprzezroczystych systemów fasad PV w analizowanych

przykładach (oprac. M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

160 Magdalena Muszyńska-Łanowy, Magdalena Baborska-Narożny

integration in industrial architecture (Deutsche Shell 1999).

The building’s iconic feature is its elliptical, south-facing

oce façade, which merges uidly with the roof, with

a bold yellow-red canopy marking the entrance. Its dynamic

form reects the innovative spirit of PV technology (Fig. 1).

Two BIPV systems were used: a now-decommissioned

semi-transparent c-Si curtain wall and an opaque aluminum

façade with surface-mounted PV modules, attached via non-

penetrative clips to the standing seams of Kalzip

aluminum

sheets (Corus Bausysteme 2001). Framed modules were

arranged in rhythmic horizontal bands – ve per segment

– symmetrically anking the central glazed strip across sec-

tions. The modules feature a visible cell grid, with irregular

crystalline structure of the p-Si creating a shimmering eect

(Fig. 2). The interplay between the blue-silver tones of the

PV modules and the aluminum cladding reinforces the in-

dustrial aesthetic. The Kalzip

’s exibility enabled curved

proles, concealed electrical integration, and allowed mod-

ules to be elevated for rear ventilation. This produced a co-

hesive, expressive façade, reecting the era’s technological

ambition.

Thin-Film technologies

In the early 2000s, second-generation thin-lm techno-

logies – amorphous silicon (a-Si), copper indium selenide

(CIS), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and cadmi-

um telluride (CdTe) – signicantly advanced PV integration

into industrial building façades. In addition to environmen-

tal benets – such as reduced semiconductor use and low-

er-energy production –thin-lm oered notable architectural

advantages. Their slim proles and compatibility with glass,

metal and polymer substrates have enabled seamless inte-

gration into diverse façade systems, supporting both con-

structability and aesthetic exibility. Better performance un-

der shading, high temperatures, and diuse light compared

Fig. 1. Scheuten Solar,

Gelsenkirchen (1999).

A pioneering example of PV

integration in an industrial

building façade

(photo by M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

Il. 1. Scheuten Solar,

Gelsenkirchen (1999). Pionierski

przykład integracji fotowoltaiki

w elewacji budynku

przemysłowego

(fot. M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

Fig. 2. Scheuten Solar, Gelsenkirchen (1999). PV modules with

a visible crystalline cell structure and a regular grid pattern,

mounted on standing seam aluminium cladding

(photo by M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

Il. 2. Scheuten Solar, Gelsenkirchen (1999). Moduły PV o widocznej

strukturze krystalicznych ogniw i regularnym układzie siatki,

zamontowane na aluminiowej blasze na rąbek stojący

(fot. M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

Industrial building façades as a showcase of changes in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) aesthetics 161

to c-Si made them particularly suitable for façade applica-

tions (Weller et al. 2010).

Thin-lm PV expanded the color palette: brownish a-Si;

graphite-black CIS and CIGS; greenish-black CdTe. Smooth,

monochromatic surfaces complemented the minimalist aes-

thetic typical of industrial architecture. Notably, black CIS

modules with subtle pinstripes attracted architectural interest

ulfurcell Solartechnik n.d. c). Rened visual strategies – in-

cluding tinted or patterned glass – have enabled BIPV façades

to convey visual patterns, inscriptions, or branding. These ap-

proaches have proven especially relevant in showcase build-

ings, where technological demonstration plays a central role,

as well as in retrotted projects that require visual harmony

with the existing architectural context (Peharz et al. 2019).

A combination of declining costs, material adaptability, and

aesthetic versatility has contributed to the growing imple-

mentation of thin-lm BIPV in industrial architecture.

The Soltecture facility in Berlin-Adlershof represents one

of the most notable early applications of CIS in industrial

architecture, awarded a German Solar Prize in 2010 for its

“exemplary combination of an ecologically sound building

concept and aesthetically appealing design” (Krehl Girke

Architekten, n.d.). The project marked a strategic shift from

PV manufacturing to BIPV solutions, emphasizing architec-

tural collaboration. To reect this design focus, the company

rebranded from Sulfurcell to Soltecture.

Alongside a rooftop PV array, the building featured a ful-

ly integrated façade system: CIS modules formed seamless

cladding across the southwest and southeast elevations of the

administrative and production buildings (Sulfurcell Solar -

technik n.d. c). The frameless glass modules were mounted

horizontally in rhythmic bands – some inactive to maintain

visual consistency – creating a rened, monolithic appear-

ance (Sulfurcell Solartechnik n.d. b). The panels resembled

plain black glass, their glossy surface and deep color con-

trasting sharply with the adjacent matte, wood-toned HPL

cladding (Fig. 3). On the production hall, the modules were

arranged in irregular horizontal stripes, positioned alongside

anthracite-colored proled metal panels (Fig. 4).

For seamless integration, a custom cassette system based

on ventilated metal façade principles was developed. The

modules were bonded to anodized aluminum frames us-

ing silicone adhesive and mounted with concealed clips,

stabilized by hooks at the lower edge. Prefabricated units

allowed for ecient on-site installation, and the ventilated

cavity provided passive cooling, controlled water drainage,

and protected the underlying insulation. As a pilot project,

the façade required special permits. Since silicone bond-

ing lacked general approval in Germany, additional wind-

load tests were carried out (Sulfurcell Solartechnik n.d. a;

DETAIL Architecture 2010).

Following company’s insolvency, the building was dis-

mantled, yet its minimalist black façade remains a landmark

in thin-lm BIPV design, renowned for its rened aesthetic

and material clarity.

Flexible and lightweight BIPV

The development of glass-free PV laminates has expand-

ed the architectural potential of BIPV. Thin-lm solar cells

Fig. 3. Soltecture facility, Berlin-Adlershof (2009).

Black thin-film CIS modules form a sleek, monolithic surface

with strong architectural coherence

(photo by M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

Il. 3. Zakład Soltecture, Berlin-Adlershof (2009).

Czarne, cienkowarstwowe moduły CIS tworzą gładką, monolityczną

powierzchnię o wysokiej spójności architektonicznej

(fot. M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

Fig. 4. Soltecture, Berlin-Adlershof (2009). BIPV CIS modules with

a reflective surface, seamlessly aligned with the corrugated metal

cladding; the dark, mirror-like finish visually conceals the solar

function (photo by M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

Il. 4. Soltecture, Berlin-Adlershof (2009). Moduły BIPV typu CIS

o refleksyjnej powierzchni, płynnie zintegrowane z falistą okładziną

metalową; ciemne, lustrzane wykończenie wizualnie maskuje

funkcję solarną (fot. M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

162 Magdalena Muszyńska-Łanowy, Magdalena Baborska-Narożny

embedded on lightweight metallic or polymer substrates

– stainless steel, ETFE (ethylene tetrauoroethylene), or TPE

(thermoplastic elastomers) – are encapsulated in multi-layer

polymers. Their reduced weight, mechanical

exibility, and

adaptability to complex surfaces enable direct application

onto at, concave, or convex geometries without the need

for secondary substructures.

Early implementations in the 2000s explored triple-junc-

tion a-Si cells laminated onto stainless steel foils, optimized

for high performance under diuse light and elevated tem-

peratures. Although these systems faced long-term dura-

bility issues – such as delamination, corrosion, and envi-

ronmental degradation – they laid the foundation for the

credibility of exible BIPV in architectural practice (Call

et al. 2008).

Contemporary exible modules are based on CIGS or

thin-lm silicon technologies. Textured ETFE front sheets

enhance light trapping, UV stability, hydrophobicity, and

weather resistance, while EVA encapsulants ensure optical

clarity and structural cohesion. The modules are available

in graphite, dark-blue or other hues, depending on absorber

material and surface nish. They feature smooth, matte or

semi-gloss textures and a ribbon-like format, cut from rolls

for customizable widths, lengths, and shapes to suit specic

design needs (DAS Energy 2021; Call et al. 2008).

With a weight up to ten times lower than conventional

glass-based PV panels, exible laminates are particularly

suited for industrial façades, where load-bearing constraints,

simplied installation, and aesthetic cohesion with metal

cladding systems are key considerations.

The Eco-Incinerator in Kraków is the rst facility in Po-

land to incorporate exible modules. Characterized by ex-

pressive architecture with owing forms and vivid colors,

the building resembles a multicolored ribbon inspired by

local landscapes and folk motifs (Czernek 2024). Clad in

green and red aluminum panels, the structure exemplies

contemporary industrial design merging function, symbol-

ism, and environmental responsibility (Fundació Mies van

der Rohe 2025).

The facility features an educational path showcasing key

technologies, with PV emphasizing its environmental and

educational roles as a model of sustainable industrial infra-

structure. Following a rooftop array, a exible PV system

was added in 2019 on the southern elevation of the main hall

(Krakowski Holding Komunalny 2020). Two façade sec-

tions were clad with exible modules, featuring monocrys-

talline (m-Si) cells embedded in berglass-reinforced poly-

mer with non-reective ETFE front sheet (Kalzip 2019;

DAS Energy 2021). The modules were directly glued to

Kalzip

standing seam aluminum cladding, eliminating

the need for substructures and allowing seamless integra-

tion with the curvilinear façade (Fig. 5). Their ribbon-like

format follows the envelope’s sinuous lines, aligning with

vertical seams to preserve visual rhythm and reinforce the

building’s identity. Though visually seamless, the laminates

are added to an existing façade and therefore do not meet

the true denition of BIPV.

Initially, an extension with green-tinted modules was

considered to better match the façade’s colors, however, due

to cost and energy performance considerations, glass m-Si

Fig. 5. Eco-incinerator, Kraków (2019). Flexible m-Si PV modules

following the curved geometry of the green metal façade; the exposed

and rhythmically repeated layout emphasizes the expressive character

of the industrial building (source: courtesy of KHK SA Archives)

Il. 5. Spalarnia odpadów, Kraków (2019). Elastyczne moduły

fotowoltaiczne m-Si dopasowane do zakrzywionej geometrii zielonej

metalowej elewacji; wyeksponowany i rytmicznie powtarzalny układ

podkreśla ekspresyjny charakter budynku przemysłowego

(źródło: fot. z archiwum KHK SA)

Fig. 6. Eco-incinerator, Kraków (2019). Two different PV technologies

on the building façades. The vivid blue of the rigid glass BAPV creates

a striking visual effect against the original envelope

(source: courtesy of KHK SA Archives)

Il. 6. Eco-incinerator, Kraków (2019). Dwie różne technologie PV

na elewacjach budynku. Intensywny niebieski kolor sztywnych

modułów szklanych BAPV tworzy wyrazisty efekt wizualny

na tle oryginalnej powłoki (fot. z archiwum KHK SA)

Industrial building façades as a showcase of changes in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) aesthetics 163

panels were applied as BAPV in 2024 (Krakowski Holding

Komunalny 2020). Mounted on subframes aligned with the

wall’s angle, the rigid, reective surfaces contrast sharply

with the earlier, more sculptural system, disrupting its chro-

matic and volumetric coherence (Fig. 6).

Aesthetic camouflage

As Peharz et al. (2019, 12) observe, “the main value of

BIPV products is now becoming invisibility”. The seamless

integration both visually and constructively reects a funda-

mental shift in how PV is perceived within contemporary ar-

chitectural practice: from a visible symbol of energy gener-

ation to a discreet, integrated part of the façade. This reects

trends identied by Chivelet, Kapsis and Frontini (2025),

highlighting two key directions for future BIPV façades:

personalized PV modules adapted to specic geometries

and grids, and visual camouage through color modulation

or masking patterns.

Colour remains a key factor in enhancing architectural

expression and ensuring visual coherence with surround-

ing materials and building identities (Bonomo et al. 2021).

However, such aesthetic customization often reduces energy

eciency, increases production complexity and cost (Peharz

et al. 2019; Basher et al. 2023). These trade-os are particu-

larly signicant in the context of industrial building façades,

which must balance technical performance and durability

with corporate branding, visual consistency, and economic

feasibility.

To address these challenges, non-pigmented optical tech-

nologies like interference coatings have emerged as promis-

ing alternatives. Based on the principle of selective light re-

ection in nanometric multilayer structures with alternating

refractive indices, these coatings applied to the inner surface

of the front glass generate durable, uniform colours through

optical interference, without aecting the performance of

the active layer. A wide range of colours is achievable – in-

cluding light grey and white – while concealing the underly-

ing cells and ensuring a smooth, homogeneous appearance

(Basher et al. 2023; Borja Block et al. 2024).

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) Living Lab Fa-

çade in Berlin-Adlershof (2021) exemplies this approach,

serving as both a research platform and architectural show-

case that demonstrates the technical feasibility of façade-in-

tegrated PV and its potential for architectural aesthetics (Al-

binius et al. 2025).

The building features ventilated curtain wall façades clad

with frameless CIGS thin-lm modules, installed across

three elevations (Fig. 7). Special attention was paid to the

design of the BIPV façade to ensure both technical and vi-

sual integration (Energie n.d.). Homogeneously coloured

modules were precisely matched in size, shape, and n-

ish to the adjacent aluminium cladding. A concealed rear-

rail system enabled seamless integration without visible

clamps, preserving visual continuity and ensuring compati -

bility with various substructures.

The blue front glass, free of visible cells or interconnec-

tions, creates a surface akin to continuous tinted glazing.

Depending on light and viewing angle, the hue shifts from

light blue to violet to dark blue (Fig. 8), enhancing chromat-

Fig. 7. Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), Berlin-Adlershof (2021).

The Living Lab BIPV façades serve as a testing platform

and showcase the aesthetic potential of innovative thin-film materials

in architectural integration (photo by M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

Il. 7. Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), Berlin-Adlershof (2021).

Elewacje BIPV Living Lab pełnią funkcję platformy badawczej,

jednocześnie prezentując estetyczny potencjał innowacyjnych

materiałów cienkowarstwowych w integracji architektonicznej

(fot. M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

Fig. 8. Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), Berlin-Adlershof (2021).

Blue CIGS modules seamlessly integrated into the curtain wall using

concealed brackets and flexible profiles. The interference coating

masks the cell structure, creating intense colour and light-dependent

gradients, while the matte glass finish adds an elegant appearance

(photo by M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

Il. 8. Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), Berlin-Adlershof (2021).

Niebieskie moduły CIGS płynnie zintegrowane ze ścianą osłonową

przy użyciu ukrytych uchwytów i elastycznych profili. Powłoka

interferencyjna maskuje strukturę ogniw, tworząc intensywny kolor

i zależne od światła przejścia tonalne, matowe szkło nadaje elewacji

elegancki wygląd (fot. M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

164 Magdalena Muszyńska-Łanowy, Magdalena Baborska-Narożny

ic modulation while preserving visual harmony. The matte

nish further reduces reectivity, reinforcing the façade’s

aesthetic.

The Living Lab provides long-term, real-world perfor-

mance data on the behaviour of BIPV under varying weather

and seasonal conditions. A dense sensor network monitors

electrical and building physics parameters. Disseminating

data via a dedicated platform supports knowledge transfer.

Tests showed that deeper ventilation cavities improved rear-

side cooling, with limited impact on energy yield, and con-

rmed the energy potential of non-optimal orientations to

produce energy under diuse and reected light (Albinius

et al. 2025; Energie n.d.).

Although twice as costly as a conventional façade (Al-

binius et al. 2025), the BIPV Living Lab façade demonstrates

how innovative PV can be eectively integrated into indus-

trial buildings – supporting sustainability goals, serving as

a research and demonstration platform, and reinforcing ar-

chitectural identity without compromising design integrity.

Conclusions

The analysis of the evolution of opaque BIPV façades

in industrial buildings – based on four case study examples

– high lights how technological advances have directly inu-

enced both the materiality and visual language of industrial

architecture. The comparative approach revealed a gradual

transition from functional, technically driven applications

toward increasingly expressive and design-conscious solu-

tions. This conrms the study’s main assumption that the

aesthetic transformation of industrial building façades is

closely linked to the technological maturation and diversi-

cation of BIPV materials.

Table 2. The visual properties of BIPV technologies in selected case studies (elaborated by M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

Tabela. 2. Właściwości wizualne technologii BIPV w wybranych studiach przypadków (oprac. M. Muszyńska-Łanowy)

p-Si glass-foil CIS glass-glass m-Si polymer CIGS glass-glass

Cell visibility High Very low Medium None

Surface texture

Crystalline pattern

(p-Si properties)

Smooth, uniform, stripped

(visible close up)

Textured

(front ETFE properties)

Smooth, uniform

(refined front glass quality)

Color tone Light to dark blue + silver Graphite/black Graphite

Gradient blue-violet-dark blue

(tonal shifts)

Gloss level

Semi-gloss

(front glass properties)

Gloss

(front glass properties)

Low-gloss

(front ETFE properties)

Semi-matte, satin

(treated glass surface)

Visual uniformity

Low – grain boundaries,

cell pattern

High – homogeneous

appearance

Medium – subtle cell

outlines

Very high – no visible cell

or contact pattern

Light interaction

Non-uniform reflection

Shimmering effect

Diffuse reflection,

low-chromatic tonal shifts

Minimal reflectivity

Low tone variation

Light-dependent

chromatic shifts

Over the past three decades, design strategies for PV inte-

gration have evolved from emphasizing the visibility of so-

lar modules to approaches prioritizing visual coherence and

material continuity (Table 2). This transformation has been

driven by signicant technological progress, enabling BIPV

materials to mimic or complement conventional cladding

systems in form, texture, and colour. Early crystalline silicon

systems, with their clearly visible cell grids, reective sur-

faces, and metallic frames, expressed the technological es-

sence of solar architecture and conveyed an explicitly “high-

tech” aesthetic. The subsequent development of thin-lm

and exible technologies enabled a more seamless façade

integration, oering homogeneous surfaces, dark tones, and

customizable formats aligned with the minimalist logic of

industrial architecture. The latest generation of BIPV moves

beyond mere surface treatment toward a deeper architectural

synthesis – where PV elements merge optically and materi-

ally with the building envelope itself. Through interference

coatings, selective light reection, and advanced laminates,

the energy-active façade blurs the boundaries between con-

struction, technology and architectural expression.

Industrial buildings have proven particularly relevant

for the implementation of BIPV, as their large, expressive

fa çades not only accommodate energy generation but also

serve as communicative surfaces for technology branding

and corporate identity. In some cases, they operate as “living

la boratories”, where pilot systems are tested and monitored

under real-world conditions, reinforcing the educational and

promotional roles of such facilities within the broader dis-

course on sustainable architecture. Furthermore, full-scale

demonstrators are essential for validating both the technical

and visual performance of innovative technologies, acceler-

ating their adoption in the industrial building sector.

Industrial building façades as a showcase of changes in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) aesthetics 165

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mounted BAPV systems continue to dominate. Expanding

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166 Magdalena Muszyńska-Łanowy, Magdalena Baborska-Narożny

Streszczenie

Elewacje budynków przemysłowych jako wyraz zmian w estetyce fotowoltaiki zintegrowanej z budynkiem (BIPV)

Tematem artykułu jest ewolucja estetyki nieprzezroczystych systemów fotowoltaicznych zintegrowanych z budynkiem (BIPV) w architekturze prze-

mysłowej. Fotowoltaika, jako kluczowy element transformacji energetycznej budynków, zyskuje na znaczeniu – szczególnie dzięki możliwości integracji

z elewacjami. Rozwiązania BIPV nadal pozostają jednak niszowe, głównie z powodu wysokich kosztów, złożoności technicznej oraz ograniczonej świa-

domości wśród projektantów.

Celem badania było ukazanie, w jaki sposób ewolucja technologiczna nieprzezroczystych modułów fotowoltaicznych wpłynęła na zmiany w estetyce

elewacji przemysłowych. Analiza została oparta na literaturze naukowej i specjalistycznej, dokumentacji technicznej oraz obserwacjach terenowych

wybranych obiektów w Niemczech i Polsce. Przeanalizowano cztery przykłady reprezentujące kluczowe etapy rozwoju technologii BIPV: od wczesnych

modułów krzemowych, przez cienkowarstwowe technologie na szkle, elastyczne laminaty, aż po zaawansowane rozwiązania estetyczne z zastosowaniem

powłok interferencyjnych.

Uzyskane wyniki wskazują na wyraźną zmianę podejścia do projektowania systemów BIPV – od akcentowania technologii fotowoltaicznej jako

elementu futurystycznego designu, w kierunku poszukiwania wizualnej harmonii i „estetycznego kamuażu” modułów PV. Estetyka BIPV staje się coraz

bardziej zindywidualizowana dzięki rosnącym możliwościom personalizacji koloru, formatu i faktury modułów. Pomimo postępu technologicznego

elewacje zintegrowane z BIPV wciąż rzadko są stosowane w budynkach przemysłowych, gdzie dominują systemy fotowoltaiki aplikowanej na budynku

(BAPV) montowane na dachach. Dalszy rozwój BIPV w architekturze przemysłowej wymaga zwiększenia świadomości projektantów oraz promowania

udanych realizacji, które łączą efektywne wytwarzanie energii z wysoką jakością architektoniczną.

Słowa kluczowe: architektura przemysłowa, fotowoltaika zintegrowana z budynkiem (BIPV), estetyka fotowoltaiki, fasady BIPV, nieprzezroczysta

fotowoltaika

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