The Increase project is at the forefront of a transformative initiative to advance the integration of photovoltaic (PV) technology within buildings and infrastructure across Europe. This ambitious project aligns with the European Union's Renovation Wave, aiming to drive the adoption of solar power in construction and infrastructure projects, thereby supporting cities on their journey to decarbonisation.
At the heart of Increase is the development and widespread adoption of Building or Infrastructure Integrated Photovoltaic (IPV) systems. The project focuses on innovations in module and system design, encapsulation, coatings, and operational guidelines, with particular attention to IPV facades, lightweight roofs, noise barriers, and smart net-zero buildings.
Nine demonstration sites in six European countries—Spain, France, Belgium, Estonia, Montenegro, and Switzerland—are showcasing these pioneering technologies:
- Ávila, Spain: Integration of flexible lightweight PV composites into urban furniture within a city park.
- Terhills, Belgium: Application of colour techniques and lightweight PV solutions at the entrance gate of National Park Hoge Kempen.
- Strasbourg, France: Development of antiglare PV solutions for a new office building with a modular prefabricated façade.
- Tartu, Estonia: Implementation of colour techniques in the skylight and curtain wall systems of a school greenhouse.
- Podgorica, Montenegro: Coloured PV technologies applied to a parking garage and the administration building of the Capital, featuring anti-glare and fire-retardant encapsulants.
- La Toussuire, France: PV modules with snow-melting integrated technology on a residential building’s roof.
- St-Sulpice, Switzerland: Lightweight insulated solar tiles on the roof of a residential building.
- Bizkaia, Spain: Development of noise barriers for railways that integrate PV modules, optimising acoustic insulation and absorbent materials.
Increase' activities are geared towards achieving market acceptance of these innovations, fostering cross-sector collaboration, influencing policy development, and engaging investors and citizens. The project’s co-creative approach ensures that local stakeholders are deeply involved in every stage of innovation, from the design to the real-world application of IPV solutions. This collaborative model not only enhances the aesthetic and sustainability assessments of PV modules but also helps develop strategies for market acceptance.
The project welcomes feedback from stakeholders across Europe, encouraging all to contribute to the dialogue on integrated PV solutions as a vital part of the continent's decarbonisation efforts. Please take the time to fill in the stakeholder survey https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/IncreaseProjectSurvey
Increase will also be present at the upcoming EU PVSEC Conference, with a parallel event titled "Empowering PV Integration in the Built Environment: Advancing R&I Actions Towards 2030" scheduled for Tuesday, 24th September at 13:30 CEST.
To follow the progress of the Increase project and participate in upcoming events, visit the official EU PVSEC programme here.