Solar technology in building envelopes
A common criticism is that moves to integrate solar technology into buildings would fail due to architects who are seldom willing to design roofs and facades with solar components.
However, activities such as the international university competition, Solar Decathlon Europe 2010, are a clear indication that architects are seriously thinking about solar thermal technology and photovoltaics. Residential housing continues to be the main type of building but, on the whole, the kinds of building projects are highly differentiated. Especially in the case of detached and semi-detached houses, good progress is being made with regard to design and the technical integration of active solar elements.
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