A colourful duck powered by the sun? Absolutely. In collaboration with climate company Nuhma, SOLTECH helped realise a unique piece of façade art in the heart of Limburg. The vibrant duck – created by Hasselt-based artist Nele Bijnens – was printed directly onto two fully functional solar panels. The result is a striking visual statement that unites art, energy and local identity.

A symbol of 25 years of regional climate action

For 25 years, Nuhma has played a key role in driving energy and climate initiatives across the Limburg region. To mark this anniversary, the organisation sought a symbolic feature for the façade of its headquarters. The inspiration came from The Flying Duckman, a work by Piet Stockmans – whose original porcelain duck already stands in Nuhma’s reception area. Artist Nele Bijnens reinterpreted the concept in a modern, expressive way, using bold layers of paint and energy lines that mimic the flow of Limburg’s rivers, such as the Demer and Jeker.

Where solar meets storytelling

What makes this project truly special is the way the artwork was produced: the duck was printed on custom solar panels developed by SOLTECH. Using advanced foil technology, the panels are not only visually appealing, but also fully functional.

Bas van de Kreeke, CEO of SOLTECH:
“We believe solar panels can be beautiful, without compromising performance. For this project, we worked with vivid colours and high contrast – and the result is both technically efficient and artistically valuable. This is exactly where SOLTECH makes the difference: innovative solar solutions that add architectural and narrative value.”

See the result for yourself

The artwork has now been installed on Nuhma’s white façade and immediately draws attention. It’s a powerful example of how solar energy can also tell a visual, cultural and regional story.