This month, we delve into 'How to maximise solar energy in buildings' with Laetitia Brottier, Co-founder and Innovation Director at DualSun, and Chairwoman of PVT WG in Solar Heat Europe. 

In this BUILD UP Expert Talk, Ms. Brottier explored key aspects of solar thermal energy in the EU; she pointed out the main barriers hindering its development, emphasised in the importance of proper skills and training for successful installation and maintenance, and explained how solar thermal energy can be effectively combined with other renewable technologies such as photovoltaics, heat pumps, and biomass. 

Brottier also highlighted the benefits and challenges of integrating thermal storage into existing buildings and reflected on the implications of Article 10 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which mandates maximising solar energy potential in new buildings. Finally, she pointed out the types of financial support most needed to make solar thermal projects accessible, particularly for low-income households. 

The BUILD UP Expert Talks series is an initiative of the BUILD UP portal and features face-to-face interviews with experts from across Europe, offering diverse perspectives on key topics related to energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings. These interviews are aligned with the Topic of the Month and delve into it, providing valuable insights, experiences, and expertise to the BUILD UP audience.