popular articles

An ancient Pompeii villa lit up by photovoltaic tiles

Pompeii's new solar tiles, mimicking ancient terracotta, illuminate the frescoes while preserving their historic aesthetic.
Villa Pompéi tuiles solaires

Please share:

The Pompeii site has ushered in an era of innovation with solar roof tiles that resemble ancient Roman tiles. This development protects the aesthetics of the site while generating clean energy. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii site, expresses his hope: “If Pompeii is a unique site because of its size and complexity (…) I hope that this project will not be unique”. The director would like to see Pompeii transformed into a “real laboratory for sustainable development”.

A fresco revealed in a new light

The Villa of Mysteries, buried since the eruption of Vesuvius, now benefits from special lighting via these panels. These devices illuminate an exceptional fresco, revealing mysterious rituals linked to Dionysus, without risking damage to the paintings through excessive exposure to light. The pilot project “showcases an extraordinary mural found in 1909 under metres of volcanic ash”, according to site managers.

Expansion and adoption plans

Ahlux, the company behind the technology, has already covered 70 m² of the villa’s roof. With over 15 hours of sunshine in summer, the potential for expansion is immense. Other sites, from Rome to Milan, have expressed interest in these innovations, which combine conservation and functionality. Ahlux founder Augusto Grillo stresses that “the problem is finding the funds”.

Financing and future challenges

The main obstacle remains funding, especially as many historic buildings are owned by public or religious bodies. Italy, faced with strict European directives to reduce carbon emissions, is seeking co-investment to meet these ambitious targets. Angelica Donati, president of the young builders’ association ANCE Giovani, asserts that “we have the most beautiful cities in the world, which means we need much more thoughtful interventions, and quickly”.

Environmental impact and European perspectives

This initiative comes at a time when Europe is pushing for massive ecological renovation. Italy, in particular, faces the challenge of modernizing its infrastructure while preserving its unique architectural heritage. Under new European legislation, states must retrofit buildings to reduce their carbon emissions by 55% by 2030, compared with 1990 levels.

Photovoltaic roof tiles in Pompeii illustrate how technology can help preserve historic sites. This balance between innovation and conservation suggests a promising future for other sites.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The global market for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries is expected to reach USD 16.54 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9%, driven by growing demand from electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage systems.
Scatec ASA has signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Egypt Aluminium to develop a 1.1 GW solar photovoltaic project coupled with a 100 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system in Egypt, supported by a sovereign guarantee.
Scatec ASA has signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Egypt Aluminium to develop a 1.1 GW solar photovoltaic project coupled with a 100 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system in Egypt, supported by a sovereign guarantee.
Scatec ASA has launched the commercial operation of the first 60 MW phase of the Mmadinare solar complex in Botswana. This 120 MW project is based on a 25-year power purchase agreement with Botswana Power Corporation.
Scatec ASA has launched the commercial operation of the first 60 MW phase of the Mmadinare solar complex in Botswana. This 120 MW project is based on a 25-year power purchase agreement with Botswana Power Corporation.
Korkia has completed the sale of the Mere Flats solar and energy storage project to a fund managed by NextEnergy Capital. Located in South Yorkshire, this 56 MWp solar and 16 MW battery site is the first in Korkia’s UK portfolio to reach the ready-to-build stage.
Korkia has completed the sale of the Mere Flats solar and energy storage project to a fund managed by NextEnergy Capital. Located in South Yorkshire, this 56 MWp solar and 16 MW battery site is the first in Korkia’s UK portfolio to reach the ready-to-build stage.
X-ELIO has signed six power purchase agreements with a total capacity of 172 MW with Cisco Systems, Biogen, IDEXX Laboratories, and Waters Corporation. These 12-year contracts are linked to the Star Dairy and Rosebud projects, scheduled to begin operations in 2027.
In 2024, the United States added 50 gigawatts (GW) of solar power to its grid, marking the largest single-year addition of capacity by any energy technology over the past two decades.
In 2024, the United States added 50 gigawatts (GW) of solar power to its grid, marking the largest single-year addition of capacity by any energy technology over the past two decades.
Tata Power's renewable subsidiary finalizes agreement to develop 7 GW of hybrid energy projects in Andhra Pradesh, marking one of India's largest sector investments in the state.
Tata Power's renewable subsidiary finalizes agreement to develop 7 GW of hybrid energy projects in Andhra Pradesh, marking one of India's largest sector investments in the state.
Australia will accumulate over one million tonnes of obsolete solar panels by 2035, driven by widespread photovoltaic adoption, creating significant industrial challenges related to waste management within the sector.
Australia will accumulate over one million tonnes of obsolete solar panels by 2035, driven by widespread photovoltaic adoption, creating significant industrial challenges related to waste management within the sector.
Louth Callan Renewables, a U.S.-based engineering and construction company, has secured two solar power contracts totaling 213 megawatts in Delaware, expanding its strategic presence in the competitive Mid-Atlantic solar market.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission has requested government modifications to new tariff provisions aimed at small photovoltaic installations to prevent economic instability for sector professionals.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission has requested government modifications to new tariff provisions aimed at small photovoltaic installations to prevent economic instability for sector professionals.
South America is set to add 160 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity between 2025 and 2034, driven by energy diversification, growing electricity demand, and favourable system economics. Emerging markets complement this growth despite challenges related to infrastructure and transmission costs.
South America is set to add 160 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity between 2025 and 2034, driven by energy diversification, growing electricity demand, and favourable system economics. Emerging markets complement this growth despite challenges related to infrastructure and transmission costs.
Svea Solar has signed multiple land agreements to develop eight solar parks in Sweden, totaling a capacity of 500 MW. The projects will be spread across the central region and southern Norrland, with construction set to begin in 2026.
Svea Solar has signed multiple land agreements to develop eight solar parks in Sweden, totaling a capacity of 500 MW. The projects will be spread across the central region and southern Norrland, with construction set to begin in 2026.
TotalEnergies has ended the Maya solar power plant project in French Guiana, initiated in 2019 to stabilise the local energy supply. The company cites a lack of public support, as the revision of France’s energy planning is underway.
New Energy Equity partners with Harlem School District, Illinois, to develop a 5.54 MWdc community solar project, providing economic and energy benefits to local schools and residents in the Commonwealth Edison service area.
New Energy Equity partners with Harlem School District, Illinois, to develop a 5.54 MWdc community solar project, providing economic and energy benefits to local schools and residents in the Commonwealth Edison service area.
France puts its energy roadmap out for final consultation by early April 2025. Adjustments to photovoltaic targets are expected, following feedback from consultations launched at the end of 2024.
France puts its energy roadmap out for final consultation by early April 2025. Adjustments to photovoltaic targets are expected, following feedback from consultations launched at the end of 2024.
TotalEnergies ENEOS has commissioned a 1.9 MWp solar rooftop photovoltaic system at SteelAsia’s Meycauayan facility in the Philippines. This project is part of the steelmaker’s decarbonisation strategy.
TotalEnergies ENEOS has commissioned a 1.9 MWp solar rooftop photovoltaic system at SteelAsia’s Meycauayan facility in the Philippines. This project is part of the steelmaker’s decarbonisation strategy.
Jakson Engineers Limited has delivered 100 MW of photovoltaic modules to Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited for its 2,375 MW energy park in Gujarat. The company also plans to invest INR 2,000 crore in a new 2.5 GW solar cell manufacturing facility.
RWE has inaugurated an 8.3 MW solar plant in Partinico, Sicily, capable of supplying electricity to 7,000 Italian households. This project marks the company’s entry into the Italian solar market.
RWE has inaugurated an 8.3 MW solar plant in Partinico, Sicily, capable of supplying electricity to 7,000 Italian households. This project marks the company’s entry into the Italian solar market.
First Solar, Inc. announced net sales of $4.2bn for 2024 and forecasts a significant increase in 2025, with projections ranging from $5.3bn to $5.8bn.
First Solar, Inc. announced net sales of $4.2bn for 2024 and forecasts a significant increase in 2025, with projections ranging from $5.3bn to $5.8bn.
Cypress Creek Renewables and Meta have signed an agreement to build a 505 MWdc solar plant in Texas, aimed at powering Meta’s operations with clean energy.
Cypress Creek Renewables and Meta have signed an agreement to build a 505 MWdc solar plant in Texas, aimed at powering Meta’s operations with clean energy.
Uniper has begun construction of two solar farms in Staffordshire. These projects, with a combined capacity of 65 MWp, will provide renewable electricity to approximately 23,300 British households each year.
Uniper has launched the construction of two photovoltaic parks in Hungary, in Tét and Dunaföldvár, which will add 151 MWp of capacity to the country’s renewable energy production.
Uniper has launched the construction of two photovoltaic parks in Hungary, in Tét and Dunaföldvár, which will add 151 MWp of capacity to the country’s renewable energy production.
The Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, inaugurated the Kwita Wije power plant in Boulouparis, a facility combining solar power generation and energy storage, aimed at enhancing New Caledonia's energy autonomy.
The Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, inaugurated the Kwita Wije power plant in Boulouparis, a facility combining solar power generation and energy storage, aimed at enhancing New Caledonia's energy autonomy.
Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) has commissioned a 250 MW solar power plant in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, bringing its total operational renewable energy capacity to 11,916.1 MW.
Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) has commissioned a 250 MW solar power plant in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, bringing its total operational renewable energy capacity to 11,916.1 MW.

Advertising