SOLGREEN is a new mounting structure for pv-modules on green flat roofs. It helps to combine clean solar energy production with environmental friendly roof surfaces.The goal was to develop a light-weight system, which uses the existing substrate on the roof to withstand the windforces. Thus the structure together with the modules are kept in place by the gravel and the substrate for the roof vegetation. The project team Enecolo AG, EPFL-LESO, Ernst Schweizer Metallbau AG and Solstis S.a.r.l. have developed a new, material saving, athetically pleasing and light-weight mounting structure. The result will be visible on the market with competitive products.An important design issue was to give a reasonable distance between the roof surface and the lower edge of the modules. This to avoid shading of the lower cells by the vegetation and to increase the time between two maintenance cycles. The proposed distance is in the range of 20 ? 30 cm.A higher structure impedes increased costs and more material is used. The developed products had to be optimised in view of costs. Otherwise such systems would have a niche market character.The product is available for different inclination angles between 20_ and 30_ and for most of the available solar modules, either laminates or framed modules. Several pilot- and demonstrationsystems have been installed up to now with a power of more than 80 kWp. The results and the responses from the persons involved are very positive. The combination of PV with roof vegetation works well. Monitoring of the installations in Zurich and Basel over a period of 5 years including windforce-measurements shall prove the quality and proper function of the system and hints for possible improvements.Central point of interest is the durability and the solidity of the system because it has to withstand heavy windforces over a period of 20 to 30 years at exposed places. Many efforts were made in this area. Another important experience is concerning about the soil substrate and the seeds. They have to be selected carefully because slow and low growing plants should be preferred as well as there shouldn_t be too many fertilising components making plants growing too intensive.
Auftragnehmer/Contractant/Contraente/Contractor:
Autorschaft/Auteurs/Autori/Authors:
Toggweiler,Peter
Meichsner,Oliver