SAN DIEGO—Adroit Solar Energy Engineering has completed installing a 143-foot-tall solar photovoltaic system on Celadon at 9th & Broadway, an affordable high-rise nearing completion in downtown San Diego. Research shows that the array, built as a vertical façade on the south side of the building, is the tallest electric solar system of its kind in the US. Celadon is a development of BRIDGE Housing, a leading nonprofit developer, owner and manager of affordable housing.

Adroit installed the 32.5kW DC power façade PV solar system, which will generate power for the building's common areas. Out of the 125 solar panels, 85 have black frames, and 40 have silver frames, forming a stepladder design on the top floors. The translucent silver-framed panels allow for some sunlight to pass through, and this modern solar aesthetic also serves as a functional shaded area for residents enjoying the view.

“With the increasing demand for urban living and high-rise high density living spaces, solar PV façades are key to offsetting expensive common area loads such as elevator loads while maximizing on available solar real-estate and maintaining cool-looking modern aesthetic. We are looking forward to designing and installing more in the future,” says William Chen, Adroit's VP of Engineering.