The challenge of self-consumption in cities
The rise of self-consumption, driven by the development of sustainable technologies such as solar roof panels and energy storage systems, has enabled more homes and businesses to generate their own electricity autonomously and cleanly. This trend has grown significantly in rural and suburban areas, where ample space and access to larger installations facilitate its implementation. However, self-consumption in urban areas faces particular challenges, such as the lack of space for installing solar roof panels, the aesthetic impact of solar roof panels, and local regulations. In this regard, it is worth noting that residents of UNESCO heritage cities or historical sites with protected heritage buildings face numerous obstacles when attempting to install solar roof panels on their homes and businesses due to their aesthetic impact.
Another major issue for the expansion of solar roof panels in cities is the lack of space for installing these solutions, as square meters are a valuable asset in an urban environment and not easily sacrificed. This is where the efficient use of space for solar energy generation becomes particularly relevant.
Photovoltaic pavements: an alternative to traditional solar roof panels
For this reason, more and more BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) solutions for self-consumption are emerging on the market. Unlike compact solar panels that are mounted on existing structures, BIPV systems replace or integrate directly into building components such as facades, windows, roofs, or walls.
Among these solutions, photovoltaic pavement stands out. This is a flooring material with solar cells on its surface that generates electricity from sunlight. This technology allows sidewalks, streets, plazas, and roads to function as renewable energy generators without losing their original purpose.
The loss of space: a challenge for solar roof panels in cities
In urban areas, space is a valuable resource. Installing solar roof panels on a terrace or rooftop means losing usable square meters, whose value continues to rise.
Let’s consider a practical case: an office building in Madrid, Spain, with a 100-square-meter terrace allocated for solar roof panels with an estimated capacity of 10 kWp. Opting for the installation of conventional solar roof panels would render this space unusable, reducing its value. In this case, the lost surface area is estimated at 468,400 euros, turning the decision into a dilemma between maximizing the building’s real estate value or increasing its energy sustainability.
However, installing photovoltaic pavement allows for maintaining the 10 kWp generation capacity without sacrificing space use. The area could be transformed into a functional terrace for employees to enjoy, creating a pleasant outdoor space that enhances their well-being and productivity. At the same time, the photovoltaic pavement would continue generating the same amount of energy as traditional panels without compromising space utilization.
Additionally, photovoltaic pavement reduces maintenance costs compared to elevated solar roof panels, which require additional structures and specific access for cleaning and repairs. This solution enables efficient energy generation with more accessible and cost-effective maintenance.
Arena: Solum’s solar pavement solution
The company Solum, founded in 2019, was created with the goal of utilizing all available urban spaces to generate solar energy without aesthetic impact. After years of research, they have brought a unique technology to the market: the Arena solar pavement. Designed as a solar pavement for energy generation, Arena is capable of producing electricity with the same efficiency as solar roof panels, thanks to high-performance photovoltaic cells integrated into the tile. The solar pavement is fully walkable for pedestrians and lightweight vehicles, ensuring its anti-slip properties. Additionally, when installed on a building’s terrace, it helps filter incoming heat, which translates into energy savings through climate control by reducing indoor heat accumulation.
Features and benefits of Arena solar pavement
The Arena solar pavement, developed by Solum, offers a range of features that make it an ideal alternative to traditional solar roof panels on terraces and rooftops. Its design not only enables the generation of renewable energy but also ensures seamless integration with the urban environment, providing practical and efficient solutions.
Energy efficiency and performance
The Arena solar pavement offers energy efficiency comparable to that of conventional solar roof panels, thanks to Solum’s patented technology. What sets this pavement apart is its ability to combine energy generation in urban flooring with an anti-slip surface. This special coating improves pedestrian safety while maintaining its solar absorption capacity. Additionally, its durable design ensures that energy performance is not compromised, even under intensive use conditions.
Durability and robustness
The Arena solar pavement is designed to withstand both pedestrian traffic and lightweight vehicles, such as conventional cars. This structural resilience is essential for ensuring a long lifespan. Its anti-slip properties add crucial value in terms of safety, reducing the risk of accidents for pedestrians in wet conditions or high-traffic areas.
Ease of Installation
The installation of solar flooring for offices and commercial buildings is simple and follows a process similar to that of any commercial technical flooring. The main difference lies in the electrical connection, which is made through waterproof connectors located at the bottom of the pavement, ensuring a quick and safe installation.
Versatility
The Arena solar pavement has been designed with standard measurements, allowing it to be combined with conventional technical flooring, providing great flexibility. In urban environments, where some areas may be shaded or occupied by furniture, this versatility enables alternating photovoltaic pavement sections with other materials, optimizing energy performance. Moreover, this integration capability ensures that architectural design remains uncompromised, maintaining visual harmony.
