The Idea | Features | Optimization



Tensile Solar Structures are lightweight, modular systems that produce solar power.


Modularity

Tensile Solar Structures are assemblies of weatherproofed and structurally reinforced photovoltaic (PV) modules. They provide shade, shed water and produce solar power. Each photovoltaic module is an interchangeable part of the membrane structure; modules can easily be replaced without affecting the entire system.

Thin–Film PV

Tensile Solar is a system designed with the rapid evolution of photovoltaic technology in mind. As PV industry leaders roll out new and more efficient thin film solar panels, Tensile Solar can seamlessly integrate the latest technology. Tensile Solar can meet the financial, environmental and aesthetic demands of a wide range of projects by utilizing solar technologies with different characteristics. Organic PV is the first type of photovoltaic to be free of toxins and completely recyclable. Amorphous silicon can reach its peak performance in cloudy conditions. CIGS performs well in low light and is currently the most efficient thin film technology in direct sunlight.

Customization

Tensile Solar Structures range from small standard configurations to large scale custom structures. Standard configurations include saddle shaped canopies, point supported umbrellas and tents. Larger structures such as parking lots and public markets are developed in conjunction with designers, architects and engineers.



The above video is a visualization of environmental analysis driving Tensile Solar's design process. The tree in this location shades the surface throughout the year, inhibiting the power production of certain modules. The Tensile Solar design software iteratively develops and analyzes possible solutions, continuously evolving towards an optimal solution.

By applying cutting edge evolutionary optimization and environmental analysis, Tensile Solar Structures can be designed for the unique environmental characteristics of any project.

Saddle Shapes | Point Supported Shapes | Tent | Larger Structures



Supported by posts and high tensile stainless steel cables at their edges, Tensile Solar Saddle structures are free standing canopies and awnings. They span areas up to 850 s.f. and can deliver up to 3 kw of power. SMIT offers preconfigured and custom saddle structures.





Point Supported Structures have a central mast and are tensioned with edge beams and cables. They are ideal for poolside, waterfront and cafe seating. With a small structural footprint, Tensile Solar Umbrellas are available in sizes up to 15 feet in diameter that can produce up to 1 kW of power.


Rental event tents usually depend on generators to power lighting, audio and cooking equipment. Tensile Solar Tents can cut the generator out of the picture. Available in standard and custom sizes, they can provide up to 6 kW peak of electricity.


Larger configurations of Tensile Solar can be designed to shade and power public spaces like parking lots, public pavilions and marketplaces. Tensile Solar can be configured as a rain screen or roof structure for architectural applications. Architects, developers, planners and engineers interested in utilizing Tensile Solar on an architectural or urban scale are encouraged to contact SMIT.

Tensile Solar draws its inspiration from the intersection of fabric architecture, composite materials and thin film photovoltaic technology. Applying modularity to the design of tensile structures that integrate thin film PV was a natural step for the team that created Solar Ivy. SMIT co–founder Ben Howes developed Tensile Solar as a SMIT sponsored research and design thesis at the Stevens Institute of Technology Product Architecture Lab.

SMIT has filed patents for Tensile Solar. We have developed the relationships with our suppliers, manufacturers and financiers needed to realize Tensile Solar Structures at any scale and in any region.

For more about the team behind Tensile Solar please see s–m–i–t.com.

Tensile Solar on GOOD Magazine
by SMIT in Announcements

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A great bit of press on the release of Tensile Solar this week from our friend Ben Jervey at GOOD Magazine. The post highlights Tensile Solar’s unique design and potential to alter the dialogue around implementing solar technology. The topic has been picked up by a number of other sites, including EcoGeek and Jetson Green.

Check back in to see a series of posts over the coming weeks that will outline the design and theory behind Tensile Solar!


Core77 Features Tensile Solar
by SMIT in General

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Core77 featured an enthusiastic review of Tensile Solar on their website last Friday. The editorial team at Core has long followed SMIT’s work, beginning with GROW and Solar Ivy. This most recent article highlights the potential of Tensile Solar to create large structures that offer shade and solar power.

The post was quickly picked up by other like-minded publications including Inhabitat and Solar Feeds.

Special thanks to Phaedra Riley, LinYee Yuan and Core77 for their support!


SMIT Presents: Tensile Solar
by SMIT in Announcements

SMIT is excited to announce the launch of Tensile Solar: lightweight, customizable membrane structures. Spanning a wide variety of residential and commercial applications, Tensile Solar draws upon advances in thin film solar technology, composite building materials and membrane architecture.

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Tensile Solar is characterized by its modularity, efficient use of materials and analysis-driven design. The proprietary generative design platform behind Tensile Solar includes tools for customization, environmental analysis and development of manufacturing documents. We will be posting more on these features as well as the driving values and genealogy behind Tensile Solar over the coming weeks.

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Please visit www.TensileSolar.com for more information.
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For older posts and more information, please visit smitblog.com.


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