From Architecture to Energy: Berko Expands Solar Generation Across Its Building Envelope
February 2nd, 2026
At Berko Kompressoren’s manufacturing site in the Netherlands, solar energy has moved beyond the rooftop. With roof space already fully utilized, the company turned to its building façade to further expand on-site generation while maintaining the factory’s architectural coherence.
The project features color-matched solar façade panels developed by Soluxa, built on AIKO’s high-efficiency standard modules, which are suitable for direct façade installation. Applied across the east, south, and west façades, the system shows how photovoltaic technology can be integrated into vertical surfaces without sacrificing performance.
From High-Efficiency Modules to Colored Solar Façades
Soluxa independently sources AIKO’s standard high-efficiency modules and applies its patented color-coating technology to create façade panels that match the building’s Umber Grey exterior (RAL 7022). The result is a uniform architectural appearance combined with solid electrical performance, with the customized panels achieving nearly 21% efficiency and 410 Wp per module. Soluxa manages customization as well as aftersales service and warranty fulfillment for its façade modules.
“Façade applications demand both efficiency and design flexibility,” says Lourens van Dijk, founder of Soluxa. “AIKO’s modules give us the electrical performance we need, while our color technology allows solar to become part of the building rather than an add-on.”
Unlocking New Surface Area for Solar
With Berko’s rooftops already fully utilized, the façade provided a practical way to expand solar capacity. Using multiple orientations significantly increased the available PV surface compared to a roof-only system and helped create a more balanced generation profile throughout the day.
East- and west-facing façades deliver higher output in the morning and late afternoon, while the south-facing façade contributes during periods of lower sun angles in winter. This generation profile aligns more closely with the factory’s electricity demand.
“Our roofs were already full of solar panels, but that did not make us self-sufficient in the morning and afternoon,” says Paul Kokke, founder of Berko Kompressoren. “The solar façade generates electricity exactly at those moments, which we can use directly in the factory.”
Visible Sustainability with Operational Value
The façade system covers more than 200 m², with a total capacity of 40 kWp and an expected annual output of approximately 24,000 kWh. By maximizing self-consumption, the project helps reduce reliance on grid electricity while avoiding the limitations of grid export.
In The Netherlands, waiting times for new or expanded grid connection exceeds several years. Solar façades can help alleviate this issue by enabling on-site energy generation with a high level of self-consumption. This helps companies to electrify their operation and to develop new buildings despite grid constrains.
Beyond energy generation, the façade also serves as a visible sustainability statement. “Our customers increasingly expect concrete sustainability measures from their suppliers,” adds Tom Kokke, CEO of Berko Kompressoren. “The solar façade shows how we are translating those expectations into action.”
Expanding the Role of Solar in Buildings
The Berko project highlights how high-efficiency photovoltaic technology can extend solar generation beyond rooftops and into the building envelope. By combining AIKO’s advanced module efficiency with application-specific façade solutions, industrial sites can unlock new energy potential where traditional installations reach their limits.、
As companies across Europe seek practical pathways toward lower emissions and greater energy resilience, projects like this demonstrate that even constrained buildings can contribute meaningfully to the transition toward a carbon-free energy system.
