Solar cells need not be an eyesore

Danish company Faktor 3 specialises in integrating solar cells in architecture and design so as not to spoil the look of the buildings.

The global solar cell industry is experiencing rapid technological development, but there is not as much development in the design and use of solar cells. When a building is to be equipped with solar cells, they are still often installed on the roof. This, more often than not, is an expensive solution and sometimes spoils the architectural look of the product or building.

Faktor 3 is therefore working on integrating solar cells naturally in buildings and consumer products – from waste containers to ladies’ handbags with built-in mobile chargers.

A major project for Faktor 3 has been to make insulating glazing for office buildings with built-in solar cells. This was done in cooperation with Gaia Solar, IdealCombi and Esbensen among others. By using a new method to lead the power out through the pane without puncturing it, Faktor 3 has designed the insulating glazing so that it costs half of what similar products cost. The solar cells in the insulating glazing can also be arranged to form different patterns such as the company’s logo etc. Un fortunately, the product is not in production yet but can be ordered on inquiry.

Watch a film about Faktor 3

The cobblestone with solar cells
Using the same product development method, Faktor 3 has also designed 'The shining cobblestone', powered by solar energy. The product was designed in cooperatioen with out.sider among others. Both the insulating glazing and cobblestone are now sold by other companies.

Faktor 3 secures projects in two ways: One of the ways is by inventing new solar cell products that can be sold to relevant manufacturers. If a manufacturer shows interest in the product idea, Faktor 3 works on a project basis as a design and product developer. The rights to the product will either stay with Faktor 3 or be transferred to the manufacturer.

The other way is by receiving specific orders from companies – typically municipalities, production companies or the industries of architecture and design – which are keen to integrate solar cell technology in a new or existing product. In such cases, Faktor 3 works as an external designer and is paid on an hourly or project basis.

The future looks bright
The global solar cell industry has undergone rapid growth over the past few years. The world’s solar cell capacity increased by over 100 per cent from 2007 to 2008 alone. That is higher than the growth experienced by the windmill industry in the same period.

Since it was founded in 2006, Faktor 3 has doubled its turnover, and the company expects its turnover to treble in 2009. Faktor 3 is experiencing increased interest from abroad and has received enquiries from Germany, Japan and Dubai.