CAMPUS YUTERA · PALENCIA, SPAIN
The University of Valladolid’s Yutera campus in Palencia, Spain, now boasts a photovoltaic skylight that merges the building’s rich history with modern sustainability solutions. Originally built in 1938 as a jute sack factory for beet sugar packaging, this iconic structure has evolved with the times. Today, it serves as an academic center, filled with books and university materials.
Onyx Solar has rehabilitated the building’s existing skylights, replacing them with advanced crystalline monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic glass. This innovative glass features carefully spaced cells that allow ample natural light to filter through, enhancing the indoor environment while generating renewable energy. The photovoltaic glass also incorporates solar control properties, designed to reduce and filter direct radiation, creating a more comfortable space for students and faculty.
The photovoltaic glass can reach a nominal power output of 110 Wp per square meter, ensuring efficient energy production to meet the building’s needs. Its visible light transmission and g-value surpass 20%, providing an ideal balance between daylighting and energy efficiency. The installation will power approximately 1,200 lighting points throughout the campus and help prevent the release of 400 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere, further advancing the university’s commitment to sustainability.
This project demonstrates how historical buildings can seamlessly integrate modern, eco-friendly technologies. The Yutera campus now stands as a testament to the possibility of preserving architectural heritage while embracing renewable energy solutions.