The ‘tree’ consists of a steel construction base fitted with leaf-shaped glass-glass solar modules. Within these modules green colored solar cells are combined with green transparent PVB-foil. Scheuten normally applies this technique in its BIPV solutions (Building Integrated Photovoltaic). The energy-generating tree was completed in late March and serves as a charging point for hybrid vehicles in the Sustainable Garden of NL Label next to Villa Flora at the Floriade in Venlo, the Netherlands.
The solar tree has been realized in collaboration with the local authorities of Venlo and Inteqnion Solar. The design was made by Scheuten Absoluut Glastechniek, specialized in the design and implementation of complex glass projects. BIPV solar modules are usually integrated in the outer shell of buildings, with this technique Scheuten distincts itself from other companies in the current market for solar energy.
Jos van den Bersselaar constructie b.v. manufactured the steel structure with brown powder coating for the trunk and branches of the tree. The electrical installation was done by Texis. Inteqnion Solar BV is the owner of this first solar tree that, with a height of six meters and a wingspan of almost 4.5 meters, is a
prominent landmark on the sustainability pavilion of the Floriade.
Ton Koenders, Inteqnion Solar BV: "We specialize in complete, high-quality PV systems, converting sunlight directly into electricity. Due to the cooperation with Scheuten we can show the unique applications we are able to realize. Apart from the solar tree, we show a number of other innovative solar products on the Floriade, including a solar carport and BIPV solar greenhouse."
“Scheuten is always looking for new glass and solar solutions”, says Evelien Fassotte, Sales Manager BIPV at Scheuten. “With our BIPV products we integrate glass and solar energy into one sustainable concept. We are proud to install the first solar tree in our own backyard, the sustainable pavilion of the Floriade in Venlo. With this the wide audience is able to experience the possibilities in the field of solar energy.”
Scheuten (founded in 1950) is a European manufacturer of high-quality glass designated for total solutions for buildings and infrastructure. These solutions cover the field of thermal insulation, sun protection, noise reduction, safety, fire protection and design. In addition Scheuten glass-glass modules with integrated solar cells provide solutions for building integrated photovoltaic’s
(BIPV).
With its head office in Venlo, The Netherlands, Scheuten employs over 1,500 staff. Scheuten focuses on quality and durability during the entire process of float glass production to the delivery of the end product. Moreover, it realizes prominent glass engineering projects around the world. www.scheuten.com
Inteqnion Solar BV (www.inteqnion-solar.com) based in Aalten, the Netherlands, specializes in complete high-quality PV systems which convert sunlight directly into electrical energy. The strength of Inteqnion Solar is in turnkey customization for industrial applications in various industries. Inteqnion Solar searches the world for the most advanced solutions in solar energy, where quality, reliability and customer needs are paramount. Inteqnion Solar is part of the 102 year old and global Ottevanger group. (www.ottevanger.com)
Scheuten designs, delivers and installs first ‘Solar tree’ in the Netherlands
Tree serves as source of energy for hybrid vehicles at Floriade 2012Scheuten combines its knowledge and experience in the field of glass and solar solutions in the development and production of the first Dutch solar tree.