Solar photovoltaic roof generates electricity for building lighting and cooling

The Renzo Piano Pavilion at the Kimbell Art museum in Fort Worth, Texas, opened last month.

UK engineer Arup helped design the light controlling and energy generating roof, which works using a series of motorised solar photovoltaic panels as louvers.

The roof generates enough power to offset up to 70% of the carbon emissions from the gallery’s lighting and environmental control systems.

The building contains galleries, three education studios, a large library with reading areas, and an auditorium.

Topics