Sunopy Sun and Rain Protection For Walkways

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Project objective: a highly aesthetic and eco-friendly photovoltaic canopy for city walkways that can be built quickly and inexpensively at any location using a few repeatable bamboo elements and one kind of a standard rectangular photovoltaic module.

Dimensions & Packaging

Just one Kilometer of SUNOPY could provide around 2000 MWh of electricity and could power 750 households or provide electricity for more than 1.000 electric cars driving 11.000 Kilometers per year.

Tags

Photovoltaic, sun protection, rain protection, sun canopy, sustainable structure

Production Technology

The construction has been parametrically developed to adapt to any common walkway and follow any route shape. The number of panel rows, distance between modules, and their inclination can be flexibly adjusted to local conditions.
The supporting structure comprises repetitive round bamboo arches, with non-reflective glass solar panels affixed to bamboo purlins. A fabric membrane offers extra protection and softly diffuses light.
Biodegradable and easily dismantled, the structure requires minimal resources and generates electricity emission-free. Installation is rapid on steel screw foundations, eliminating the need for concrete. The system is easy to assemble, modular, adaptable, and consists of only four repeatable components.

Project Duration

The project was developed in 2024, with the first experimental segment planned for implementation in the city of Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Operation Flow

The system offers perfect synergy: the photovoltaic canopy, providing protection from the sun and rain for pedestrians, generates electricity at the same time.

Research

This study project explores the potential of using sunshade structures in hot climate cities to generate electricity from integrated photovoltaic cells while providing protection from harsh weather conditions. The aim is to achieve synergy between weather protection and solar energy production. Through simulation and analysis, the research evaluates the feasibility and energy production potential of such integrated systems, offering insights into sustainable urban development and resilience enhancement.

Inspiration

SUNOPY is a SUN harvesting CANOPY for hot climate cities, offering pedestrian protection from sun and rain. It's an urban linear power plant with a biodegradable structure of bamboo arches, purlins, and glass PV panels. Emitting no emissions, it installs rapidly on steel screw foundations. Modular and sustainable – it's a cityscape eye-catcher.

Image Credits

Image #1 : Shapeslinestudio, Image #2 : Shapeslinestudio, Image #3 : Shapeslinestudio, Image #4 : Shapeslinestudio, Image #5 : Peter Kuczia

Colors of Sunopy Sun and Rain Protection For Walkways