Solar cells

An important step towards reducing the energy consumption of our buildings

Our buildings account for almost 40% of the total energy consumption in Denmark, and an integral part of our consultancy at EKJ is to help our clients make their energy consumption more efficient and integrate green - and where possible renewable - energy sources into their supply.

Partly because many of our customers want to contribute to the sustainable transition, but also because the Building Regulations set concrete requirements on how much energy a building can use maximum. And here, the integration of solar cells can be a great way to help keep energy consumption down.

Solar cells produce power not only when the sun is shining, but also when it's cloudy, windy and cold, even if efficiency drops.

A creative solution to a difficult challenge

The use of solar cells is increasing both worldwide and in Denmark, and in EKJ we work both with integrating solar cells in new and old buildings.

A classic challenge is to integrate the solar cells on the roof surfaces of buildings so that they are self-cleaning (because rain washes dirt and dust off the panels), but do not detract from the architectural expression or dazzle the surrounding neighbours. These disciplines and creative solutions are a natural part of our consultancy.

In general, solar cells need to be integrated with care, as it is important that they face optimally and are installed with the right inclination so that they can absorb as much solar radiation as possible. Not all buildings would therefore benefit fully from a solar PV system, nor would they be permitted to do so. Whether this is an option for your building, we will of course help to clarify as part of our advice.

Wind and solar energy are among the cheapest - and fastest growing - forms of energy today. Depending on the size of the installation and energy prices in general, solar PV can pay for itself in 3-10 years, and even after 25 years of use, experience shows that solar PV can achieve 75% efficiency.

Batteries can help store energy

Connecting a battery to the solar PV system can be beneficial if you are unable to use all the power when the solar cells produce it during the day. You generally get the most out of the power when it's being produced, but using batteries allows you to store a lot of the energy that the solar cells produce. For many, this will therefore give a higher utilisation rate than a battery-free system.