Onyx Solar has introduced walkable PV tiles designed for urban environments, offering a sustainable way to generate solar energy on rooftops, sidewalks, decks, and patios. These tiles — made with durable safety glass and featuring anti-slip surfaces — provide a customizable and efficient solution for areas with limited space.
Walkable PV Tiles for Urban Spaces
Onyx Solar — a leading innovator in building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solutions — has unveiled its new walkable PV tiles. Designed for urban environments, these tiles combine functionality and sustainability, offering a unique way to integrate solar energy generation into rooftops, decks, sidewalks, and patios.
The newly launched PV tiles weigh 23 kg and come in standard dimensions of 75 x 75 cm, with a nominal capacity of 75 W. Onyx Solar also offers customization, allowing sizes up to 4m x 2m. The tiles are made with 8 mm thick safety glass, which features an anti-slip surface for enhanced pedestrian safety. According to Diego Cuevas, Onyx Solar’s vice president of business development in North America, the tiles are designed specifically for pedestrian traffic and can withstand loads of up to 400 kg/m².
These walkable PV tiles are equipped with 16 multicrystalline silicon cells arranged in a five-busbar layout, encapsulated in durable ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foil. This cutting-edge technology ensures the tiles are efficient and long-lasting. Onyx Solar’s patented design adheres to stringent international safety standards including the UL410 certification for slip resistance, as well as certifications from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
The tiles are designed for compatibility with standard raised-access floor systems, such as PVC polymer or metal pedestals. This feature allows for easy installation and electrical interconnections on the backside of each panel, thus providing flexibility to architects and engineers. Cuevas emphasized that the system's selection depends on the client's or design team’s requirements, thereby making the tiles versatile for various applications.
Transforming Urban Energy Solutions
Onyx Solar’s PV tiles offer a practical solution for energy generation in urban spaces where land is scarce and real estate is valuable. By enabling energy production without compromising usable space, these tiles are ideal for city environments. Cuevas highlighted the product’s benefits in New York City, where high property values make every square foot of space critical.
Local regulations are also driving the adoption of this innovative technology. For example, New York City’s Local Laws 92 and 94 mandate that certain buildings incorporate solar panels or green roofing systems. Cuevas noted that these laws have significantly boosted demand for products like walkable PV tiles, which align with the city’s sustainability goals.
Onyx Solar’s walkable PV tiles have already been incorporated into several high-profile projects. In Spain, they have been installed at iconic locations such as Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences and the Royal Theater of Madrid. These installations showcase the tiles' ability to blend seamlessly with architectural designs while generating renewable energy.
In the United States, Onyx Solar has supplied its PV tiles to prominent corporations like Apple and various private residential projects in New York City. A recent Manhattan installation at 625 Avenue of the Americas highlights the versatility and aesthetic appeal of the tiles. This project was completed in collaboration with the New York-based solar installation company Solardeck, integrating the PV tiles into an Ipé hardwood grid frame.
Durable and Sustainable Design
The walkable PV tiles are built to last, with robust materials that ensure safety and durability. Their anti-slip surface and high weight tolerance make them suitable for heavy pedestrian use. The tiles’ integration of advanced photovoltaic technology enables them to generate clean energy efficiently, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
Onyx Solar’s focus on sustainability is evident in its product design and implementation. The tiles not only contribute to renewable energy production but also align with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and promote green energy solutions. By integrating PV tiles into urban landscapes, cities can achieve significant progress toward energy independence and sustainability.
The success of these tiles in high-profile projects underscores their potential to revolutionize urban spaces. By combining innovative technology with practical design, Onyx Solar is setting new benchmarks in the renewable energy industry. As cities worldwide grapple with energy challenges and space constraints, products like walkable PV tiles offer a glimpse into a cleaner and greener future.