[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/soltech.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/issol_dekikker_amsterdam_05_4r8a2706_1400px.webp” background_position=”top_center” custom_padding=”||384px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”50px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/soltech.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Soltech_Logo03.png” title_text=”Soltech_Logo03″ align=”center” disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#113E76″ header_5_text_color=”#113E76″ background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_image=”off” custom_margin=”-211px|||||” custom_margin_tablet=”-250px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”50px|50px|50px|50px|true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”25px|25px|25px|25px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”15px|15px|15px|15px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” header_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ header_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0.57em” header_text_shadow_color=”#FFFFFF” header_5_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0.34em” header_5_text_shadow_color=”#FFFFFF” border_radii=”on|25px|25px|25px|25px” border_width_all=”12px” border_color_all=”#F4A900″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”#5E5E5E” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
In the lively Amsterdam district of Nieuw-West, a familiar school building is turning heads again. Not with a new build, but through a striking transformation of its skin. De Kikker, a public facility from 2006 that houses two primary schools and a health centre, has been given a new fa\u00e7ade \u2014 one that radiates colour and generates electricity. Behind this expressive exterior lies Belgian innovation: the solar technology was developed and manufactured by SOLTECH in Genk.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n When De Kikker<\/em> first opened its doors in 2006, it stood out for its bold form and bright green cladding. Designed by Dok Architecten<\/strong>, the building became a local landmark \u2014 playful, visible, and full of character. But after nearly two decades, the fa\u00e7ade had faded, both visually and functionally. The city of Amsterdam saw an opportunity: not just to refresh the look, but to rethink the role a fa\u00e7ade can play.<\/p>\n The new design came from Solarix<\/strong>, a Dutch studio known for architectural solar fa\u00e7ades. They were responsible for the colour scheme, glass textures and overall visual rhythm. The solar modules themselves? Developed and produced by SOLTECH<\/strong>, working behind the scenes as the project\u2019s OEM technology partner.<\/p>\n \u201cWe deliver solar cell technology tailored to our clients\u2019 designs,\u201d says Bas van de Kreeke<\/strong>, CEO of SOLTECH. \u201cIn this case, we produced 507 PV modules in a wide range of dimensions \u2014 each perfectly aligned with Solarix\u2019s fa\u00e7ade layout. The panels carry their brand, but the technology was built here in our factory in Genk.\u201d<\/p>\n SOLTECH offers its technology in a variety of ways: through its own product lines, collaborative design partnerships, or as a white-label provider for other brands. OEM manufacturing is just one of those options<\/strong> \u2014 where SOLTECH takes care of development and production, while the end product is marketed under the client\u2019s name. It\u2019s an approach that demands not only technical expertise, but deep respect for a partner\u2019s creative vision.<\/p>\n For De Kikker<\/em>, that collaboration resulted in:<\/p>\n 20 unique panel types<\/strong>, in tune with the architectural rhythm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n a textured glass finish<\/strong>, adding both depth and light diffusion<\/p>\n<\/li>\n full transparency when powered off<\/strong>, keeping the visual integrity of the fa\u00e7ade intact<\/p>\n<\/li>\n integration of optimisers and fire-safe components<\/strong>, compliant with Dutch safety regulations<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n All modules were manufactured in Genk.<\/p>\n \u201cShort lines, clear communication, and a constant back-and-forth with the design team \u2014 that\u2019s the only way to deliver this kind of bespoke project,\u201d says Van de Kreeke<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The system now delivers up to 170 kWh per day<\/strong>, or roughly 67,000 kWh per year<\/strong> \u2014 covering around 13% of the building\u2019s total energy needs<\/strong>. Built-in rapid shutdown technology ensures automatic voltage drop in case of fire, fully compliant with IEC 63027:2023<\/strong> for arc fault detection.<\/p>\n But numbers only tell part of the story. This is a fa\u00e7ade that functions as architecture, energy infrastructure, and public expression \u2014 an invitation to engage with sustainability, creativity, and the urban fabric.<\/p>\n For SOLTECH, De Kikker<\/em> is a showcase of what\u2019s possible when design, engineering and ambition come together<\/strong>. No rooftop panels in sight \u2014 just clean, integrated solar glass that supports the architectural story instead of competing with it. No off-the-shelf solutions, but made-to-measure modules that match the rhythm, colour and character of a building.<\/p>\n \u201cIn many of our projects, our name doesn\u2019t appear on the product \u2014 and that\u2019s perfectly fine,\u201d concludes Van de Kreeke<\/strong>. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/soltech.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/de-kikker-community-school-dok-architecten_5.jpg” alt=”de-kikker-community-school-dok-architecten_5″ title_text=”de-kikker-community-school-dok-architecten_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/soltech.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/de-kikker-community-school-dok-architecten_16.jpg” alt=”de kikker” title_text=”de-kikker-community-school-dok-architecten_16″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Looking to integrate solar energy into your own product or design? SOLTECH supports you from concept to production.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/home\/oem\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn more about OEM+” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#113E76″ divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”10%” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”15px” custom_margin=”15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#113E76″ divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”10%” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”15px” custom_margin=”15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”9″ include_categories=”157,162,163″ show_more=”on” show_author=”off” show_date=”off” show_categories=”off” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|||on|||||” meta_font=”||||||||” meta_text_color=”#113E76″ border_radii=”on|25px|25px|25px|25px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#F4A900″ border_radii_image=”on|25px|25px|25px|25px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#113E76″ custom_padding=”|||0px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/soltech.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Soltech_Zonnestralen01.png” title_text=”Soltech_Solar01″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_text_color=”#113E76″ header_2_text_color=”#F4A900″ header_5_text_color=”#F4A900″ header_6_text_color=”#F4A900″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Whatever your project, Soltech puts energy into it. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=”Contact us” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SOLTECH powered the solar fa\u00e7ade of De Kikker, a colourful school building renewed with integrated PV in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10328,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[158],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10316","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10316","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10316"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10339,"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10316\/revisions\/10339"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10316"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10316"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}A fa\u00e7ade that goes beyond aesthetics<\/h3>\n
Belgian precision behind a Dutch brand<\/h3>\n
Engineering in service of design<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
More than just energy<\/h3>\n
OEM+ as a foundation for the future<\/h3>\n
\n
\u201cWhat matters is that our technology works, complements the design, and plays its part in a bigger vision.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nMore news with a touch of SOLTECH<\/h1>\n
Your project full of energy<\/h2>\n
\nStand alone or building integrated.
\nWith “a touch of SOLTECH,” your project too will be a sustainable reference of its kind in no time. <\/p>\n