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Sunopy: Revolutionizing Urban Landscapes with Sustainable Photovoltaic Canopies

Peter Kuczia, an educator and sustainable construction expert, has unveiled Sunopy, a groundbreaking project designed to offer pedestrian protection from sun and rain while simultaneously generating clean energy. Sunopy is an urban linear power plant with a biodegradable structure of bamboo arches, purlins, and glass PV panels, providing an aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly solution for hot climate cities. The project was developed in 2024, with the first experimental segment planned for implementation in the city of Putrajaya, Malaysia.

The construction of Sunopy has been parametrically developed to adapt to any common walkway and follow any route shape. The supporting structure comprises repetitive round bamboo arches, with non-reflective glass solar panels affixed to bamboo purlins. A fabric membrane offers extra protection and softly diffuses light. The system is biodegradable, easily dismantled, and requires minimal resources, generating electricity emission-free. Just one kilometer of Sunopy could provide around 2000 MWh of electricity, powering 750 households or providing electricity for more than 1,000 electric cars driving 11,000 kilometers per year.

The innovative design of Sunopy promises to revolutionize urban landscapes, offering a scalable, eco-friendly linear power plant that combines weather protection and solar energy production. Peter Kuczia's extensive experience and expertise in sustainable constructions have led to the creation of this award-winning design, which was awarded Bronze in the A' Architecture, Building, and Structure Design Award in 2024.

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