A LANDSCAPE INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC COMPONENT CALLED “STAPELIA” A. Scognamiglio , C. Cancro. F. Formisano, G. Graditi, C. Privato mail to: alessandra.scognamiglio@portici.enea.it ; phone +39 081 7723304 fax +39 081 7723344 ENEA Portici Research Centre, località Granatello, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy ABSTRACT: An important subject to investigate in the field of the diffusion of photovoltaic systems is the development of landscape integrated PV components fit to the installation in valuable sites, that are characterized by an high cultural value (such as archaeological areas, natural parks, small islands). The aesthetic value of the components is the most important feature to ensure a good matching with the context (landscape or valuable places), that means the acceptability of the energy solar generators. This work is focused on the design of a photovoltaic lighting component fit to the integration in valuable sites, “Stapelia”, which shape, and consequently name, have been inspired by the structure of the homonymous tropical flower. The geometry is based on a pentagon, and the basic idea is that one or more elements (flowers) can be “planted” where an electrical supply or a places improvement are required. Five prototypes of Stapelia have been realized and installed in the garden of the ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, the Energy and the Environment) Research Centre in Portici, that is located within the area of the Vesuvio National Park, on the sea front. Keywords: building integration, diffusion, PV lighting component 1 INTRODUCTION AND APPROACH Multifunctional photovoltaic components fit to the integration in valuable sites are a good opportunity for the diffusion of PV technology, especially in countries like Italy where an huge heritage of archaeological areas, historical towns and valuable environments exists. The main feature must be the aesthetic value of the components, being the best way to ensure their acceptability. So, designing such a component requires consideration over the development of some criteria that have to be verified both from the technical and the aesthetical point of view, before dealing with the specific design. Referring to the technical criteria, considering that the sites can also be not connected to the local electric grid, the components have to be able to work in “stand alone” or “grid connected” condition. Another important technical feature is the components and plants modularity, in order to allow the customer to use the optimal number of elements depending on specific energetic needs, and to succeed in a satisfying electrical structure. A good result in terms of aesthetic value is achieved by means of a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on the integration between the different functions the PV component has. In fact, since the high communicative role the introduction of innovative technologies producing clean energy has in the context of valuable sites (acceptability), the component has to be pleasant itself, but it has also to be an improving element. A good communication choice can be considered linking the energy generation with an appropriate function easily recognized by people: for example the night illumination. From a planning point of view this means also developing a perfectly integrated component, where all elements are synthesized in a convincing image; in fact technical elements have not to be hidden, but rather integrated in the structure itself. Obviously a special accuracy in designing the component and each part of it - in terms of dimensions, shape, materials, colours, texture, frame -, is required. Furthermore the components “reversibility” - aimed to the environment preservation - should be taken into account, too [1]. 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION According to this approach the lighting photovoltaic component has been designed by a team experienced in architecture and mechanical/electrotechnical engineering, and five prototypes have been realized (Fig. 1). The realization refers to an operating program launched by Regione Campania (2000-2006) aimed to on-site power generation by means of both traditional and renewable sources. Within the framework joined by Universities, Private Companies, Research Centres, ENEA planned the installation of 5 Stapelias supplying partially an electrolyser for hydrogen production. Fig. 1: a row of Stapelias in the Enea Portici Research Centre garden Name and shape of Stapelia have been inspired by the structure of the homonymous tropical flower, which stellar geometry is based on a pentagon. The basic idea is that one or more components (flowers) can be “planted” where a soft lightning is required. The “corolla” of the flower (600cm high) is composed of five triangular “petals” (glass-glass modules 28W p each one, with 21 monochrystalline dark blue cells) anchored to a pentagonal steel structure. In the middle of the flower, corresponding to the “pistil”, a double pyramidal box (carter) has been thought to contain a battery housing in the upper half part, while 21st European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, 4-8 September 2006, Dresden, Germany 2848