When roof space runs out, the façade steps in
Roof PV is now standard—and sometimes mandatory in new builds. Façade PV is still less common but can add valuable active area when roofs are fully used, plant reduces space, or extra yield is needed. Swisspearl is launching “Sunskin Facade” in Germany: BIPV for VHF, in Lap and Flat.
Two looks, one principle: Lap or flush-mounted
Sunskin Facade Lap: PV modules and infill panels are installed with a subtle, barely visible overlap. This supports a uniform surface appearance and a clean linear layout—similar to traditional overlapping cladding systems.
Sunskin Facade Flat: This variant creates a flush, planar façade surface with PV modules that read as aligned and even. Both infill panels and modules are equipped with fasteners from the “Swisspearl Sigma 8 Pro” system and hooked into the substructure. The fasteners are not visible from the front and are secured on the rear side, resulting in a calm, reduced façade aesthetic with integrated power generation.
Coloured PV modules: translucent coating within the glass assembly
A distinctive feature of the Sunskin façade systems is the colouring of the PV modules. Translucent colours are applied across the full surface to the inner side of the front glass—before the tempering process. During subsequent thermal tempering, the colour layer bonds permanently with the glass. The result is a uniform, intense, non-opaque colour while maintaining high light transmittance—a key prerequisite for efficient power generation.
The non-ceramic colours used are free from cadmium and heavy metals, supporting environmentally responsible recycling at end of life. As the colours can be mixed effectively, project-specific shades are also possible—combined with reproducible colour consistency for future construction phases.
Colour-matched infill panels—ideal for partial PV coverage
Not every façade area is equally suitable for PV: shading, orientation and design constraints often lead to hybrid façades in practice. For these cases, Swisspearl offers matching fibre cement infill panels in ten standard colours, colour-matched to the module shades in Swisspearl’s colour laboratory. This allows PV-active areas and “passive” zones to be harmonised visually without fragmenting the overall façade composition.
Robust and durable
The Sunskin modules achieve the highest hail resistance class HW5. For high yields, Swisspearl uses monocrystalline TOPCon half-cells. The modules are available in three standard sizes; custom dimensions can be supplied on request.
One coordinated package: modules, mounting system and infill panels
Swisspearl supplies the BIPV systems as a coordinated package comprising PV modules, a mounting system and fibre cement infill panels. Both the modules and the fibre cement panels are designed to be UV-resistant—an important factor for long-term appearance and performance of the building envelope.
