What is WIND my ROOF?
WIND my ROOF is an innovative project that supplies buildings with electricity through mixed modules combining rooftop wind turbines and solar panels. This concept turns buildings into active energy centers and sets a new standard for the energy transition in urban and periurban areas. The project emphasizes the use of multiple energy sources by positioning a small wind turbine on the edge of flat roof buildings, capturing the wind that rises along the facades before it escapes above the roof. The approach is designed to limit noise disturbances and vibrations while offering an affordable solution for renewable energy exploitation within constructed areas… It is a project where modern energy technology meets practicality and sustainable design.
Main Benefit
Key figures and facts of the project include:
- Local and clean energy production for buildings
- TOTAL SELF-CONSUMPTION: Electricity produced is entirely consumed by the building
- PARTIAL SELF-CONSUMPTION: Surplus electricity can be fed back into the grid or stored
- Modular design, enabling multiplication of production sources comparable to the output of photovoltaic solar panels
- Continuous energy production – a rooftop wind turbine and solar panels produce energy in all weather conditions
Project Technologies and Solutions
At the heart of WIND my ROOF is a sophisticated blend of a rooftop wind turbine and solar panels. The wind turbine, installed at the acroterion level of flat roof buildings, is strategically positioned to exploit the wind that travels up along the facades, thus recovering a maximum of energy. The system is recognized under the trademark WINDBOX®, which exemplifies the ambition of making buildings active players in their energy transition. With this mixed module approach, the project not only ensures maximum efficiency in producing renewable energy but also encourages the use of modular components that allow for significant electrical production. The integration of these technologies demonstrates how energy production can be maximized while effectively addressing the challenges of intermittent natural resources. It is a clear example of innovation meeting practicality—tapping into wind and sunlight almost effortlessly.
Different Applications and Sectors
The applications of WIND my ROOF cover a broad range of building types and uses. For logistics and retail, the project transforms flat roofs into valuable assets, maximizing space and enhancing the autonomy and impact of warehouses and stores. In the tertiary and industrial sectors, the energy produced on-site helps reduce vulnerability to market volatility by ensuring a stable local electricity supply all year round. Collective housing benefits from tangible cost savings as buildings are converted into mixed energy centers, making energy more accessible and management more efficient. Public buildings are also part of the initiative—by embracing the project’s solutions, municipalities and local governments are empowered to roll out sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly infrastructures within cities. Each sector leverages the clean and renewable energy produced by these mixed modules, enhancing overall energy independence and environmental responsibility.
How WIND my ROOF Works
The operation of WIND my ROOF is straightforward yet smart. It relies on a small rooftop wind turbine that extracts energy from the wind along building facades, precisely when the wind ascends before disappearing above the roof. This placement optimizes energy capture and enables a smoother, continuous production of power. In parallel, solar panels positioned on the same module capture sunlight to produce additional electricity – a dual strategy ensuring that energy production is never sidelined by the intermittency of a single source. The project’s design is highly modular, facilitating the multiplication of production sources and enabling a scalable and significant electrical output much like standard photovoltaic installations. Furthermore, it is engineered to limit noise disturbances and vibrations, ensuring that urban and periurban residents experience a quiet and seamless transition into renewable energy usage.
Project Impact
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Promoting renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on non-renewable power.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Enhancing urban infrastructures with solutions for local energy production.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by harnessing clean energy technologies.
Looking Forward
For building owners and urban planners, WIND my ROOF provides an invitation to enhance existing structures with sustainable, renewable energy solutions. Whether it is an existing building in need of renovation or an eco-district under construction, potential benefits include not only cost reductions but also environmental improvements and enhanced energy autonomy. The project serves as a catalyst for change in the way urban spaces and commercial buildings approach energy consumption. With the WINDBOX® standard setting the tone, energy transitions are becoming increasingly efficient and sustainable. The concept invites stakeholders to embrace a future where rooftops are not just functional parts of buildings but also vibrant energy producers… It is a wake-up call for improving urban resilience through integrated technologies that harness the power of both wind and sun.
