BELL WORKS LABS · NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES
RENOVATION
As part of the comprehensive revitalization former Bell Labs facility into the iconic mixed-use Metroburb in New Jersey, Onyx Solar provided 5,575 m2 (60,000 SqFt) amorphous silicon photovoltaic architectural glass panes. This installation facilitated the creation of the largest photovoltaic skylight of its kind in the USA. The photovoltaic skylight both naturally illuminates the complex while it generates free, clean electricity from the sun. It currently offsets around 60 tons of annual CO2 emissions, drastically improving the building’s energy efficiency and reducing its carbon footprint. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, Bell Work’s skylight features 24 different sizes of glass to cover the multiple skylight opening of Eero Saarinen-designed architectural gem. Each glass panel is comprised by amorphous silicon thin film photovoltaic active glass, laminated between two sheets of tempered glass.
The photovoltaic glass provides exceptional light transmittance while simultaneously achieving an optimal solar heat gain coefficient, enabling the building to offset HVAC requirements and maintain its distinctive design. Originally constructed in 1962, the building is revered for its role in spurring the development of some of the world’s foremost inventions and research concepts, including the first practical solar cell. Furthermore, it was home to seven Nobel Prize award winners
The choice of photovoltaic glass for the Bell Works Labs project was particularly fitting given the building's historical significance and modern use. With a nominal power reaching 34 Wp per square meter, the photovoltaic glass can generate enough clean energy to significantly reduce the building’s reliance on traditional power sources. The 16% visible light transmission ensures that the interior spaces are gently illuminated without excessive glare, creating a comfortable atmosphere for occupants. Meanwhile, the 32% G-value helps manage solar heat gain, maintaining an optimal indoor temperature. This combination of energy production, light control, and thermal performance aligns perfectly with the sustainability goals of the project. The photovoltaic glass installation respects the architectural integrity of Saarinen’s design while pushing the boundaries of what sustainable technology can achieve in revitalizing historic structures.
For Alexander Gorlin Architects, they are a renowned architectural firm based in New York, focusing on a range of projects from residential and urban planning to religious and cultural institutions. They are known for integrating modernist principles with the social and environmental contexts of each project.
