Mario Botta designed building integrates flexible thin film solar laminates into retractable roof

Italian architectural firm Mario Botta has used 80 UNI-SOLAR PVL-136 thin film laminates from United Solar Ovonic (USO), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices as part of newly completed building design in Piazza San Lorenzo, Italy. The flexible light weight laminates are part of an ‘EnerCover’ building integrated solution provided by Ondulit Italiana SpA.The building uses a  retractable curved rooftop with an output 10,88Kw.

"Mario Botta's Gallarate installation is another excellent example of how architects and designers are using the unique properties of UNI-SOLAR laminates within the design of cutting edge architectural designs where typical glass panel products would not work,” noted Mark Morelli, ECD's president and CEO. “The end result is a beautiful building with a fully retractable UNI-SOLAR PV rooftop that produces clean energy."

The building is being used for retail, offices and apartments.

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