SPHINX · Sustainable Photovoltaics Integration in buildings and Infrastructure for multiple applications

Europe's ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 presents a significant challenge, and addressing it requires innovative solutions. The SPHINX project aims to accelerate the adoption of photovoltaics, the cheapest source of energy, by developing new photovoltaic products for integrated construction that are multi-functional, aesthetically pleasing, and have a minimal impact on resources such as land and materials.SPHINX aims to demonstrate solutions for an economic and sustainable integration of five innovative PV products in five respective demonstration sites covering different construction typologies: lightweight modules for installation on rooftops with weight constraints, tiles for heritage buildings, tiles for facades, semi-transparent modules for carports, and noise barriers.Each of these products will be piloted and monitored to demonstrate high energy production, low degradation rates, competitive installation costs, and a low environmental impact.To increase the efficiency of solar modules, SPHINX is leveraging a disruptive European interconnection technology known as matrix shingling. This technology improves the filling of the active area of solar modules, leading to a 3% increase in power output, and make them less sensitive to shading. This translates to up to 3 times more energy yield compared to standard modules under strong partial shading. Furthermore, this technology drastically reduces the use of resources such as lead and copper. To further enhance module performance, SPHINX will add new functionalities to the encapsulant, including UV selective absorption and reemission for power increase, selective reflection of IR light to increase bifacial boost, and reduce temperature behind the panel. New coatings will also be developed to provide anti-glare and anti-fouling capabilities based on a new deposition process that can be reapplied in the field in case of damage.