Green Roofs and Solar Energy

  • Green roof combined with solar energy
  • Green roof with herbs and perennials combined with solar energy

Green Roofs and Solar Energy – Biosolar Roofs Provide Pure Synergy

A flat roof is one of the best locations for a solar energy system, given that the solar modules can be adjusted to the correct angle and the most appropriate orientation. It is a mistaken belief that one has to decide between a green roof and a solar system. On the contrary with the right system, significant synergy effects are achieved when combining both.

Advantages at a Glance

  • Higher efficiency of the photovoltaic modules due to low ambient temperature of green roofs.
  • No roof penetrations – green roof build-up as ballast against wind uplift.
  • Free orientation of solar modules possible, no slipping of the drainage layer or the filter sheet.
  • Water supply for plants below solar modules by water storage and distribution cells in ZinCo Solar Base SB 200.
  • Combination with the fall protection device Fallnet® SB 200-Rail possible.

Variations for East-West Orientation

Systems with east-west orientation may achieve a more even yield over the course of the day and avoid excessive current peaks

For an assembly of type “Saddle”, two Solar Base Frames are mounted onto a Solar Base SB 200 in a way that their higher ends meet in the middle. The slope of the panels directs more rainwater to the walkways between the solar panel rows, so that an increased plant growth can be expected there.

For an assembly of type “Butterfly”, the two Solar Base Frames meet with their lower sides. Rainwater is directed to the middle of the Solar Base SB 200 and distributed from there in both directions. In this case, a rather lush vegetation can be expected under the solar panels. 

SolarVert® with Vertical Module Arrangement

SolarVert® with vertical module arrangement combines the benefits of east-west orientation and south orientation. Bi-facial PV modules use solar radiation from both sides. Moreover, the vertical sub-structure allows for a greater supply of water and light to the vegetation.

Safety on Rooftops

Fall protection systems are required to prevent people from falling off flat roofs while working. The ZinCo Fallnet ® SB 200 Rail was designed especially for the use in combination with ZinCo Solar Base SB 200. The periphery of the existing photovoltaic system is used for the fixing device. All you need in addition is a rail, rail supports and project related accessories. This allows for a quick and inexpensive installation of an effective fall arrest system that integrates well into the landscape.

Product Description

ZinCo Solar BaseWith its Solar Base, ZinCo incorporates solar energy into green roofs and creates synergies, whether it is for generating electricity (photovoltaic) or for heating and hot water applications (solar thermal). The height of the Solar Base Frames creates enough distance between the substrate layer and the solar panels, providing the plants with enough sunlight and rainwater and enabling appropriate maintenance.

Checklist for Solar Plants on Flat Roofs

Please send the completed check list back to office@zinco-greenroof.co.uk.

Download pdf

 

Solar Energy and Green Roofs

General overview of how solar energy technology is combined with green roofs.

Number of pages
12 pages
System Specifications
System build-up

Diagram

Products

Grafik des Systemaufbaus
Solar Panel
Solar Base Frame SGR, available with inclinations from 5° to 45°
Sedum Mats or Sedum Plug Plants
System Substrate “Sedum Carpet”
ZinCo Solar Base SB 200
Fixodrain® XD 20
Root Barrier WSF 40 and Filter Sheet PV, if waterproofing is not root resistant.

Product Details

Solar Base Frame SGR

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Base Frame made of aluminium, designed for its use on green roofs, manufactured in one piece, structurally proven, matched to the ZinCo Solar Base SB 200.

Sedum Mats or Sedum Plug Plants

System Substrate “Sedum Carpet”

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System Substrate for extensive green roofs in single- or multiple layer build-up.

ZinCo Solar Base SB 200

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Complete assembly of sub-structure, for e.g. the Solar Base Frame SGR, made of recycled hard plastic with aluminium profile underneath the plastic element.

Fixodrain® XD 20

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Economic drainage, water retention and protection mat for use as an alternative to single layered extensive green roof build-ups.

Root Barrier WSF 40

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Established, proven and tested sheet, easy to install, made of environmentally friendly polyethylene for the use as root protection under extensive green roofs.

No product information available

Note

The system solution shown relates to the green roof build-up in particular. The roof construction itself is only shown schematically and must be planned and executed according to specialist rules for waterproofed roofs.

  • Sedum album
  • Sedum middendorfianum var. diffusum
  • Sedum album
  • Sedum spurium
  • Sedum floriferum