The world is transitioning in how it executes solar panels as renewable energy resources. The days of depending only on the conventional rectangular dark blue or black rooftop solar panels are coming to an end because a new innovative development has come to life. It is called the Dutch Biotope, the Dutch Pavilion development at Expo 2020 in Dubai. At its core, it is not just about sustainability, which is essential, but the goal is to provide the best of both worlds, sustainability and an aesthetically pleasing design, giving us an idea of how the future looks in this energy-evolving world.
These solar panels are more than just beautiful; they are gathering inspiration and light
The solar panels resemble a stained glass look in contrast to the traditional panels. They hang like a magical decorative piece with integrated tints of colours such as pink and blue, according to Dezeen. They were not merely for show, though. They were created using a unique substance known as organic photovoltaics, which enables them to capture sunlight—even mild or indirect light—and convert it into electrical power.
Marjan van Aubel wanted to break the barrier of thinking that solar panels should look a certain way and cannot be enhanced. She said that solar panels can be something part of a lifestyle and not a development that we hide and are ashamed of. When she created solar panels for the Dutch Pavillion at the World Expo in Dubai, they assisted in powering certain aspects of the structure.
Dubai is a city that understands aesthetics and is known for it. Therefore, this innovation speaks volumes because it meets the standards and erases the traditional perspectives surrounding solar energy. van Aubel told Dezeen,
“At different points in the day the light, shadows and colours will change and so I hope it feels like a constantly changing immersive experience, similar to the light falling through a stained-glass window.”
Solar panels are not just about generating energy but are a form of art
A website by Marjan van Aubel Studio describes the Dutch Biotope in its fullness. In addition to gathering electricity, solar panels can be artistic and aesthetically pleasing. Visitors are surrounded by rays of light from the skylights; inside The Dutch Biotope, where food, water, and energy solutions are intertwined, colours reflect, refract, and dance.
Building a Photosynthesis ecosystem: How the pavilion balanced food, water, and energy production
These coloured solar panels make photosynthesis. The Dutch Biotope cleverly connected food, water, and energy sources to create a circular climatic system. By harnessing the sun’s energy to power the pavilion, the solar panels were essential. At the same time, they let the sunshine in, which gave the edible plants grown inside the pavilion the spectrum of light they needed to perform photosynthesis.
A sustainable ecosystem where natural processes were supplemented by technological innovation was exemplified by this harmonic synergy. In addition to its photosynthesis ecosystem, the innovation has showcased that it goes beyond the agricultural part of it but also aesthetics and efficient energy generation for a better sustainable future, as elaborated by Witteveenbos.
The Dutch Biotope at Expo 2020 serves as an example of how sustainability, nature and architecture or aesthetics can integrate and still form a result that is green and eco-friendly. Energy engineers and companies do not need to focus on the one idea of solar panels that has been introduced to us; there are ways to keep it interesting and eye-catching. Marjan van Aubel’s vibrant solar panels have just set the path already. During a live presentation at the 2020 Dezeen Virtual Concept Festival, Van Aubel, who had been working on solar panels for several years, initially showed off renders of the concept.