LafargeHolcim and Heliatek launch photovoltaic concrete façade

LafargeHolcim, the world’s largest cement maker, has partnered with German solar equipment firm Heliatek to create a photovoltaic concrete façade system.

The system combines LafargeHolcim’s "Ductal" panels and Heliatek’s lightweight solar film. A 10-storey commercial building that covered 60% of its facade with the panels could generate about 30% of its annual energy requirement from them, according to the company.

Gérard Kuperfarb, head of growth and innovation at LafargeHolcim, said: "Building owners and developers as well as architects and engineers will be able to mitigate the energy costs of a building while enjoying the many benefits of a light, low-maintenance and long-lasting cladding solution."

A prototype of the photovoltaic facade system will be presented at Batimat, the French construction fair, this November, with a pilot project planned in 2018.

Image courtesy of Heliatek