In close cooperation with street furnisher Jan Kuipers from Nunspeet we have tailor-made a solar module specifically for the covered bicycle park of the train station in the Castricum, the Netherlands.

By designing a customized module (1.81m x 0.73m) we were able to integrate the solar panels within the design of the structure by mounting them directly upon the glass and within the surrounding frame by compressing them within the surrounding rubber. The modules are clamped on one side and fit underneath the rubber on two sides, resulting in a seamlessly integrated, beautiful design.

Customization

The technology of these modules is unique to bicycle parks in the Netherlands. By implementing a polymer carrier instead of glass these modules are lightweight (only 3kg), bendable, and for solar standards as thin as it gets (coming in at only 2mm!). The modules hold cells and not thin film (the norm for flexible solutions), so they are capable of producing the same yield per square footage as traditional high-efficiency solar modules.

The modules are so light, flexible, and thin that the design of the covered bicycle park did not need to be sacrificed through reinforcement or re-design both of which would have been necessary using traditional solar panels. The park was therefore able to maintain its original aesthetic whilst implementing solar energy.

Installation

Even though this project was a retro-fit, the ease of installation was astounding. This was largely due to the customization of the modules’ measurements so that they could easily be applied within the structure.

The modules implement monocrystalline cells, a transparent backsheet, and pen junction boxes to eliminate extra spacing. Their polymer carriers also offer the modules increased protection from vandalism by preventing surface breaks.

Belder 1
4704 RK Roosendaal

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