UNION NATIONAL BANK · GIZA, EGYPT
PHOTOVOLTAIC ENVELOPE · AMORPHOUS SILICON TECHNOLOGY
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Union National Bank (UNB) partnered with Onyx Solar to integrate customized photovoltaic glass into its new headquarters in Giza’s bustling financial and commercial district. As a leading Egyptian bank, UNB sought to combine modern architectural design with sustainable energy solutions, aligning with its commitment to environmental responsibility and operational efficiency.
Onyx Solar provided a fully customized solution for the building’s façade and rooftop, incorporating 439 m² (4,725 sq ft) of photovoltaic glass with a peak installed power of 20.61 kWp. This integration of renewable energy enhances both the building’s functionality and aesthetics while meeting UNB’s sustainability goals.
The façade features blue amorphous silicon photovoltaic glass arranged in two different sizes, creating an eye-catching geometric pattern. The low semi-transparency level of the glass allows natural light to enter, reducing the need for artificial lighting while minimizing heat gain. The glass is installed using a double-skin system mounted on a metallic structure, which also improves the building’s thermal and acoustic insulation.
On the rooftop, monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic glass was installed to maximize energy generation, delivering a peak power output of 28 kWp. The combined energy from both the façade and rooftop generates over 61,000 kWh of clean energy annually—enough to power 3,482 lights while preventing the release of 41 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year.
This innovative photovoltaic installation not only enhances the building’s energy performance but also underscores UNB’s dedication to sustainable development. The integration of Onyx Solar's advanced photovoltaic technology demonstrates how renewable energy can be seamlessly incorporated into modern architecture, delivering long-term environmental and economic benefits.