New Walkable PV Tiles Unveiled by Onyx Solar in Spain: Pioneering Urban Energy
Spanish building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) specialist Onyx Solar has officially launched an innovative solution aimed at transforming urban surfaces into power-generating assets. The company’s new walkable photovoltaic tiles are engineered to integrate seamlessly into high-traffic pedestrian areas such as rooftops, decks, sidewalks, and patios, offering a dual-purpose product that combines durable flooring with clean energy production.
Technical Specifications and Robust Design
Engineered for both safety and performance, each standard PV tile measures 75 x 75 cm, weighs 23 kg, and delivers a nominal capacity of 75 W. The construction features 16 multicrystalline silicon cells with a five-busbar layout, encapsulated in ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foil for longevity. The surface is made of 8 mm-thick safety glass with anti-slip properties, holding a UL410 certification for slip resistance. According to Diego Cuevas, Onyx Solar’s Vice President of Business Development in North America, these tiles are built to withstand heavy pedestrian traffic, supporting loads of up to 400 kg/m². For architectural flexibility, the company also provides custom dimensions up to 4m x 2m.
Addressing Urban Density and Regulatory Demands
These walkable PV tiles present a compelling solution for densely populated cities where space is at a premium. By turning previously passive surfaces into active energy generators, they allow property owners to produce renewable power without sacrificing usable square footage. This is particularly relevant in markets like New York City, where regulations such as Local Laws 92 and 94 mandate the inclusion of solar panels or green roofing on certain buildings. Cuevas noted that these local laws have spurred significant interest in BIPV products. The system is designed for easy integration with standard raised-access floor systems, simplifying installation and wiring.
Proven Success in High-Profile Installations
Onyx Solar’s technology is already being showcased in prominent projects across the globe. In Spain, the tiles have been installed at landmarks like Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences and the Royal Theater of Madrid. The company has also made inroads in the United States, supplying its PV flooring to major corporations like Apple and for private residences. A recent installation at 625 Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan, executed with local installer Solardeck, demonstrated the tiles’ aesthetic versatility by integrating them into an Ipé hardwood grid frame. These successful deployments underscore the tiles’ potential to merge sustainable technology with sophisticated architectural design, offering a blueprint for the future of urban energy.
Sources
- Onyx Solar Launches Walkable PV Tiles – DIY Solar Forum
- Onyx Solar Group Company Overview – LeadIQ
- Onyx Solar | Building Integrated Photovoltaic Solutions
- Awards and Recognition in Innovation – Onyx Solar
- Project Feature: Olimpic Port, Barcelona – Onyx Solar
- Onyx Solar Introduces Walkable Solar Tiles for Urban Spaces – Energy Update
- Walkable Sunshine: Photovoltaic Floor Tiles – Hiitio
- Maximising urban energy with PV facades – pv Europe
- Onyx Solar launches walkable PV tiles – PV Magazine
