In the world-famous archaeological site Pompeii, traditional terracotta tiles are being replaced by solar panels that look exactly like them. The innovative solution paves the way for an inspiring model: turning architectural constraints into assets, boosting heritage and sustainability.
"They look exactly like the terracotta tiles used by the Romans, but they produce the electricity that we need to light the frescoes," says Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. This solution helps the archaeological site turn costs into savings opportunities and embrace sustainable development.
"Pompeii is an ancient city which in some spots is fully preserved. Since we needed an extensive lightning system, we could either keep consuming energy, leaving poles and cables around and disfiguring the landscape or choose to respect it and save millions of euros."
Invisible tiles in Pompeii
Technically called "traditional PV tiles", the invisible solar panels used in Pompeii come from Camisano Vicentino, a little Italian town with slightly more than 10 000 inhabitants, halfway between Padua and Vicenza. They were created and patented by the family business Dyaqua.
The traditional PV tiles are made from a polymer compound, which allows the sun's rays to filter through. The photovoltaic cells are then integrated into it by hand and covered with a layer of the polymer compound. "We can also give it the look of stone, wood, concrete, and brick. As a result, such a solution can be installed not only on roofs but also on walls and floors," says Quagliato.
A great solution to modernise sites like Pompeii that need to preserve their architectural integrity as well. What do you think?
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Cool innovation!
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This is actually super great! Very good innovation for the ones who don't want to have "traditional" solar panels on their roof
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This is amazing innovation, indeed it's inspiring
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Woow this is amazing..I love how technology advancement is taking a turn towards bringing sustainable green energy to the people
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Using "traditional PV tiles" that look like traditional terracotta tiles, not only respects the heritage but also embraces sustainable development by turning costs into savings opportunities, being a great solution to modernize and preserve the architectural integrity of such sites. Good job.
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Incredibly innovative
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Amazing, innovation on another level!
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Wow. They look exact. This is a great contribution towards preserving this city.