Architectural Solar Solutions

The cornerstone of Lumos Solar is our uniquely beautiful solar panels.

Traditional solar installations often involve mounting panels on rooftops or deploying large-scale ground-mounted arrays. Lumos recognized the increasing demand for renewable energy and the need to optimize urban space and pioneered a solution. Now, Lumos’ patented architectural solar design products reinvent the solar industry’s boundaries and use existing space for shade and solar.   

Lumos’ architectural solar solutions integrate frameless photovoltaic (PV) modules directly into structures, buildings, and architectural plans to achieve unparalleled energy performance and an unprecedented aesthetic. Among the most innovative and effective applications are our solar carports, canopies, awnings, walkways, pergolas, and the increasingly popular building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), including curved and vertical facades.  

Our distinct solar module systems – the Vision Module System and ClearVision Module System – allow a vast array of customizations creating unique combinations of solar power and shade. These module systems elevate the solar game with weatherproofing options, exceptional durability and glass-on-glass bifacial modules, which capture sunlight from both sides to enhance efficiency.  

The evolution of solar technology has moved far beyond conventional rooftop panels, and iconic brands and companies have embraced Lumos’ architectural solar solutions. Discover how Lumos architectural solar designs can add cutting-edge technology and aesthetic elements to your projects. 

The Future of Architectural Solar

As cities push toward net-zero energy targets and businesses seek sustainable solutions, architectural solar is poised to play a crucial role in the future of the built environment. With advancements in module efficiency, durability, and design customization, the possibilities for integrating solar power into everyday structures continue to expand. 

When architectural solar adoption grows, the built environment will evolve into a more self-sufficient, clean energy-powered ecosystem that benefits businesses, communities, and the planet alike.

Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages:

  1. Clean Energy Generation: Architectural solar systems, like canopies and awnings, produce renewable energy directly at the point of use. They reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and lower electricity costs.
  2. Optimized Space Usage: By integrating solar technology into existing structures or new designs, architectural solar makes use of underutilized areas. Rooftops, parking lots, walkways, or building facades consolidate solar without requiring additional land.
  3. Enhanced Aesthetics: Modern solar modules can complement architectural designs, creating sleek, futuristic, or even artistic installations. Bifacial modules, like the ones we use, add visual interest by capturing light from both sides to concoct dynamic lighting effects.
  4. Weather Protection and Comfort: Solar canopies and awnings offer shade and shelter from rain, snow, and harsh sunlight which improves outdoor spaces for vehicles, pedestrians, or seating areas.
  5. Increased Property Value: Buildings with integrated solar solutions often see higher property values due to reduced operating costs, sustainability features, and increased resilience against rising energy prices.
  6. Resilience and Energy Independence: Onsite energy generation reduces dependence on the grid, which is particularly valuable during power outages or in remote locations.
  7. Reduced Carbon Footprint: Solar energy is clean and renewable, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to meet sustainability goals.
  8. Customizable Designs: With features like custom cell layouts, curved designs, and integrated lighting or EV charging, architectural solar solutions can be tailored to meet specific project needs while enhancing functionality and aesthetics.

Lumos also offers AIA CE credits to learn more about integrating solar into architectural designs. AIA is a great resource for bringing the latest design elements to your projects.

Lumos Architectural Solar Solutions That Have You Covered.

  • Solar Carports

    Solar carports are among the most practical and widespread applications of architectural solar. These systems feature overhead solar modules for shade, weather protection, and renewable energy.

  • Solar Walkways

    Solar walkways extend the functionality of architectural solar into pedestrian spaces and building exteriors, and are particularly valuable for campuses, transit hubs, and commercial buildings.

  • Solar Awnings and Canopies

    Solar awnings and canopies bring a unique aesthetic component to architectural solar for residential and commercial spaces, and can cover outdoor dining areas, parks, courtyards, and more.

  • Vertical Solar

    Space-saving vertical solar facades are changing the ways we think about solar with increased energy production, eye-catching architectural plans, and optimized resistance from debris and weather.

  • Curved Solar

    Not only do curved solar facades allow for more solar energy production by capturing more sunlight, they push the architectural envelope with their visually striking design and versatility in installation.

  • Solar Charging Tables

    The Lumos SolarZone harnesses power from the sun, while providing a shaded seating area in communal settings like parks and corporate campuses where people can charge their devices.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) take solar technology to the next level. They embed PV modules directly into a building’s envelope. Instead of traditional cladding materials, these structures use solar panels as an essential component of the building’s design.

Key Applications:
  • Solar Facades: Vertical solar panels replace traditional building materials, generating energy while maintaining modern aesthetics.
  • Solar Glass: Transparent or semi-transparent PV glass can be used in windows, skylights, and curtain walls to produce electricity without obstructing natural light.
  • Roofing Systems: BIPV panels can replace standard roofing materials, providing both structural integrity and solar energy generation.
Benefits of BIPV:
  • Enhanced Aesthetics: Unlike conventional panels, BIPV solutions blend seamlessly with architectural designs.
  • Energy Savings: Solar-integrated facades reduce cooling loads by limiting solar heat gain while generating electricity.
  • Space Optimization: BIPV eliminates the need for separate solar installations, making it ideal for urban environments.
  • Durability and Strength: The strongest BIPV solutions feature glass-on-glass construction, providing superior weather resistance and longevity.

The Growing Role of Vertical Solar Facades

One of the most exciting trends in architectural solar is the development of vertical solar facades. While rooftop solar is limited by space and orientation, vertical facades provide an opportunity to capture energy from sunlight throughout the day, particularly in densely populated cities where rooftop access is constrained.

Why Vertical Solar Makes Sense:
  • Maximized Surface Area: High-rise buildings have significant vertical real estate that can be leveraged for solar energy production.
  • Improved Energy Capture: Bifacial vertical solar panels can harvest sunlight from reflections off surrounding buildings, streets, and surfaces.
  • Architectural Harmony: Unlike retrofitted rooftop solar, vertical BIPV is designed from the ground up to be an integral part of a building’s aesthetic.

As technology advances, transparent and colored PV solutions are making vertical solar facades an attractive choice for architects and developers looking to meet sustainability goals while maintaining design flexibility.

Transform your next project with architectural solar. Start now.

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Portland Electric Utility
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