Green Roofs and Solar Energy

  • Green roof with photovoltaics
    A combination with significant synergy effects

Green Roofs and Solar Energy: 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.

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.

Green roof and photovoltaicsEnhanced performance of photovoltaic modules: The performance of photovoltaic modules depends on the temperature of the modules and the surrounding ambient air temperature. The rule of thumb is: “the warmer the module, the lesser the performance”. In fact, modules heat up considerably as a result of solar radiation. This is impaired by a hot roof surface such as a bare waterproofing membrane or a gravel roof. However, if combined with a green roof, solar modules will perform better. Through the cooling effect caused by evaporation at plant level, the ambient air temperature is cooler and photovoltaic cells improve their performance.

Substrate and Solar Base Frames on a roofBallast provided by the green roof build-up: One important synergy effect shows at the construction stage. The ZinCo solar build-up consists of a protection and drainage layer, Solar Base panels and Solar Base Frames. The panels are covered with a prescribed amount of growing medium and the desired vegetation is then planted. The combined weight of the growing media and plants provides the ballast required by the solar energy system to deal with wind loads. Thanks to this ballast principle, roof membrane penetrations that would normally be necessary for anchoring standard solar energy systems are not required.

System build-up

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.

Assembly type “Saddle” 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.

Assembly type “Butterfly”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

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

Vertical PV modules 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.

 

System Build-ups