Aug 2015 - Addis-Abeba

OPV sail in shape of African continent

CUSTOMER

GIZ

FEATURES

Number of installed modules: 1,800 OPV pixels assembled in 450 modules
Façade surface: around 500 m2
Application type: system of 450 individual transparent blue modules, held in place by a cable mesh construction directly underneath the membrane dome above the Peace and Security Building’s interior
Electrical system: self-consumption

The project

Shade sail African Union Building

In collaboration with the leading manufacturer of steel cable and mesh constructions, Carl Stahl Architektur, ASCA has developed a unique energy-generating shade sail in the shape of the African continent for the “Peace and Security” Building of the African Union, a project managed by the GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit).
The lightweight system consists of 445 individual transparent blue modules, which supply sufficient electricity to power the LED lighting system inside the building.

The combination of ultra-light and flexible ASCA® organic “free-form” modules, based on 3rd generation photovoltaic technology and a stainless-steel cable mesh construction has enabled the realization of a solar project of this magnitude for the very first time. Mounting was done using a combination of steel ropes and tubes to create a non-collapsing structure.

Limitless designs

By combining ASCA® modules with each other, it is possible to create unique and innovative designs with almost no limits.

Being able to assemble a system of this size in just 5 days and mainly with local forces shows the incredible potential in the combination of OPV and steel cable structures

Luca Casati, Chief fitter at Carl Stahl & assembly manager in Addis Ababa
OPV sail in shape of African continent
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