Dressing buildings in 'power-generating coats'

Helios Power Co, located in the Huichuang Science & Technology Park in Xi'an High-tech Industries Development Zone, is giving buildings "coats" that generate electricity.

As global demand for clean energy grows and China's "dual carbon" policy deepens, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) has emerged as an innovative energy solution, gradually gaining widespread attention. The core of BIPV technology lies in integrating photovoltaic products into building materials to enable safe power generation.

Helios has developed its own BIPV technology, which meets international standards and has been recognized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology as one of the fourth batch of "smart photovoltaic pilot demonstration enterprises."

Helios' founder, Cui Yongxiang, explained that his team had identified several safety risks inherent in traditional photovoltaic systems, such as high-voltage direct current arcing and hot spot effects. Helios focused on improving safety and enhancing the application potential of building-integrated photovoltaic systems to address these challenges.

Since research and development began in 2017, Helios has gradually commercialized its products, launching building-integrated photovoltaic materials that combine aesthetics, insulation, waterproofing, and fire resistance.

Helios is the world's first company to adopt low-voltage photovoltaic technology, using direct current systems with a maximum of 120 volts. These products can replace traditional roofing and exterior materials, providing power while enhancing building performance.

Helios' BIPV materials have been used in various projects, including rooftop photovoltaic systems in Baoji and Tianjin's petroleum gas stations. With ongoing technological advancements, Helios' BIPV products are helping to drive the green transformation of the construction industry and contributing to the optimization of China's energy structure.