The project is part of a nationwide research effort to use clean technology to improve air quality, reduce peak electric demand, lower energy costs, and reduce the need for additional power plants. It is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Electric Power Research Institute, and Boston Edison, one of 11 participating electric utilities. The building's facade consists of granite and glass panels that were installed using a structural glazing technique. The custom PV modules, produced by Flachglas Solartechnik, GmbH, are partially reflective to share the same appearance as the building's architectural glass. Virtually all of the power produced is used within the 8,100-m 2 building.
Any surplus energy is sold to the utility grid.
The investment in the PV facade paid back very quickly because the building received a great deal of attention and, as a result, was the first new speculative office building in Berlin to be fully rented.