EuropeOn’s Danish member, TEKNIQ Arbejdsgiverne, has recently transformed its 1970s headquarter giving them a more modern and innovative look. By covering the building’s façade with coloured solar panels and installing smart electric windows, TEKNIQ is leading by example and showing how the electrical sector can take tangible action in the energy transition, as they expect to cut their energy consumption by 45%.

This project serves as a real-life case study of how photovoltaics and smart building technologies can reduce energy use, lower emissions, and enhance the aesthetics of a building. These are also key principles of the EU-funded project Increase, which promotes (building-)integrated photovoltaic (IPV and BIPV) as innovative ways to merge sustainability with aesthetics. This is a project in which EuropeOn partners, as IPV and BIPV could be the next generation of photovoltaic for many applications. 

Leading by example

TEKNIQ’s primary goal was to lower the building’s carbon footprint, but renovating such an old structure came with limitations. Rooftop solar wasn’t an option due to structural constraints, and converting the parking lot into a solar site wasn’t viable either because of space needs.

After considering different options, using the façade for solar integration turned out to be the ideal solution, both technically and visually. The solar panels, which change colour with the sunlight, now cover the entire exterior, giving the building a modern look that aligns with TEKNIQ’s visual identity.

This is also a way of sending a strong message to the sector. TEKNIQ isn’t just talking about energy efficiency, they’re leading by example, and encouraging their members to do the same.

Inside the installation

A total of 850 square metres of solar panels were installed, consisting of 1,500 PV cells in various sizes. After removing the original exterior screen of the building, the panels were placed directly onto the original walls. The insurance process for the installation was as straightforward as for a typical rooftop solar installation.

The renovation was delivered by SolarLab, a European company active in Denmark. The PV modules were manufactured in Germany, while the structural components came from Norway, a great example of European collaboration.

But innovation didn’t stop with the solar panels, as TEKNIQ also decided to change the windows to address the problem of overheated offices. They installed smart electric windows that help absorb heat and automatically adjust their shading depending on outdoor light conditions. While this type of glass is still uncommon in Denmark, it’s expected to become more widespread as the country experiences more and more heatwaves.

Expectations for the future

The renovation was completed in April 2025, so TEKNIQ is still waiting to see the full impact of the upgrades — especially the windows — during the warmer summer months. But early expectations are promising. The goal is to cut energy consumption by 45%, and the team also expects to reduce the need for cooling throughout the year.

More broadly, this project proves that a any building can be transformed into a modern, energy-efficient workspace that is also more inviting for employees and visitors. It’s a success story and a powerful glimpse into the future of electrification and the electrical sector.