The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao Chooses Silk Colour: FuturaSun’s Colored Photovoltaic Panels for Energy Efficiency
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao has made a notable advancement toward environmental sustainability by installing 300 solar panels on the roof of its iconic building, designed by architect Frank Gehry. These panels, provided by FuturaSun, are projected to achieve an energy saving of approximately 5% of the museum’s total electricity consumption, fully covering the lighting needs of the exhibition galleries.
The museum emphasized that, although the panels are invisible from the street, the installation was meticulously integrated into the building’s architecture, in line with the 2024-25 environmental sustainability plan. The 80 kW photovoltaic system received preliminary approval from both Gehry and the city authorities of Bilbao.
The supply included 300 FuturaSun Silk® Plus Silver 108 cells modules, each with a power output of 280 W. Stefano Simonetto, Sales Director EMEA of FuturaSun, explained that the installation was executed with the support of their exclusive local partner, SunFields Europe. “Thanks to the combination of SunFields’ local presence in the Iberian Peninsula and our products, we successfully completed this important and symbolic installation for sustainable integration into architecture,” stated Simonetto.
Photovoltaics and Architecture
The integration of photovoltaics into architecture is becoming increasingly common, aiming to combine energy efficiency and aesthetic beauty. Photovoltaic modules, such as those installed at the Guggenheim, represent an ideal solution for historic and prestigious buildings, thanks to their ability to harmoniously adapt to existing structures without altering their original appearance.
FuturaSun’s Silk® Plus Silver modules, in particular, are designed to seamlessly integrate with light gray roofs and metallic coverings, maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the buildings. This technology not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances existing architecture, offering a sustainable solution that respects cultural heritage.
The gray/silver colored photovoltaic panels are also ideal for the architectural integration of photovoltaics on facades.
The Guggenheim project in Bilbao is a clear example of how technological innovation can be integrated with the preservation of architectural heritage.
