HEADQUARTERS OF I&M BANK KENYA
The largest photovoltaic skylight in Africa is already a reality. It is part of the new headquarters of the I&M Bank in Nairobi, Kenya.
It is composed of 2,200 sqm (23,680 sqft) of photovoltaic glass in amorphous silicon technology combining different degrees of transparency (low and medium transparency) and different sizes of glass to adapt to the design requirements.
FEASIBILITY STUDY OF AMORPHOUS SILICON SKYLIGHT IN KENYA
0,03€
Energy cost
32%
Reduction in HVAC energy demands
19%
Internal Rate of Return
<6 years
Payback
Data:
Total Area - 2,200 M2- Electricity generated in 35 years - 3,342,503 kWh
- Total lighting points operating 4 hours per day in 35 years - 6,558 lighting points
- CO2 emmisions avoided in 35 years - 2,239 Tons of CO2
- Barrels of oil saved in 35 years - 1,967 barrels per m2
Total Area - 2,200 M2
Electricity generated in 35 years - 3,342,503 kWh
Total lighting points operating 4 hours per day in 35 years - 6,558 lighting points
CO2 emmisions avoided in 35 years - 2,239 Tons of CO2
Barrels of oil saved in 35 years - 1,967 barrels per m2
The building’s skylight acts as a solar panel to ultimately harness the energy and, consequently, saving up on power costs will generate a total of 3,342,503 kWh of energy in 35 years. It will be enough energy to illuminate 6,558 light points during these 35 years.
This 76.5 KWp skylight of peak power improves the efficiency of the building as it generates on-site electrical energy for the self-consumption of users while allowing the natural lighting of the building. It also avoids approximately 84 tons of annual CO2 emissions.
“We have a huge skylight… basically, this is a glass roof. In this case, it (solar power harnessing technology) is embedded in the skylight, so you still get the full clarity, you can see the sky; but at the same time, it is generating power for you so it is called Building Integrated Photovoltaic glass roof ”.
Shameer Patel, General Manager of Strategy and Transformation at I&M Bank.
“We have a huge skylight… basically, this is a glass roof. In this case, it (solar power harnessing technology) is embedded in the skylight, so you still get the full clarity, you can see the sky; but at the same time, it is generating power for you so it is called Building Integrated Photovoltaic glass roof ”. 
Team:
Final client: I&M Reality Limited
Architect: Planning Systems Services
Constructor: Betts Townsend Taylor
Structural Engineering: Bell Associates
Façade designer: Sutherland