Research - current projects

Photovoltaics and art

Face à Phase

Illustration on photovoltaic panel, size 1300 x 875 mm


The artists of the association Compáz present their work Face à Phase which merges art and science. They continue, with this art installation, to expand the scope of new technologies. The image is meant to generate positive energy. It hangs vis-à-vis its interlocutor, creating a mysterious relationship by the face emerging from the wood. Real tension since the artwork itself produces electricity!

The technology used was developed by the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) in Neuchâtel and the company Solaxess in Marin-Epagnier. This technology makes it possible to customize photovoltaic modules with high resolution photos. The desired image is printed on a film that has been specifically designed for a functional integration with the photovoltaic module. The film can be replaced if it is damaged or if the visual has to be changed. Thus, the old photovoltaic module then lives on with a new look.

The photovoltaic module presented here, with a nominal power of 130 W, is equipped with a micro-inverter having an output voltage of 230 V AC (single-phase). It could therefore be directly connected to the 230 V grid of the visitor pavilion.

By demonstrating the versatility of photovoltaics, Compáz presents the almost unlimited potential of future applications of renewable energies.

Artistic concept:

Compáz (www.compaz.art)

with the contribution of Raphaël Pizzera, Pierre Jeanneret and Lori Droel

Technology partners:

CSEM SA (www.csem.ch)

Solaxess SA (www.solaxess.ch)