BioSOLAR removes the need to decide between a green roof and photovoltaics by combining both into one system
What is BioSOLAR?
A BioSOLAR roof is a combined biodiverse green roof integrated with a photovoltaic system. It delivers dual technologies for environmental advantage and increased profitability for clients or building owners.
What are the benefits?
BioSOLAR roofs deliver all the benefits of green roofs and solar power in a synergy of technologies that maximises PV output and the footprint for the green roof:
- Cooling effect of vegetation increases solar output by up to 5 per cent
- Green roof element acts as ballast so waterproofing is not penetrated
- Entire roof qualifies as biodiverse green roof by maximising area for vegetation
- Shade tolerant species thrive under PV, creating more diverse flora and fauna community.
What are the applications?
Although designed primarily for new-build applications where this synergy of solutions is often required to meet planning and BREEAM requirements, the BioSOLAR system can also be retrofitted on many existing roofs without the need for any structural modification to the building. The construction industry has long been calling for rooftop solutions that include dual technologies for environmental advantage. The Biosolar roof delivers just that; providing reciprocal benefits from the PV module and green roof components.
Bauder BioSOLAR
Flat roof manufacturer Bauder was the first company to introduce green roofs to the UK market more than 30 years ago. The BioSOLAR is an innovative PV mounting system for biodiverse and extensive green roofs, which was launched at the inaugural ‘European BioSOLAR Roof Conference’ that took place 28 September at City Hall in London. The event was supported by the mayor of London and featured many expert speakers from across Europe already successfully delivering PV and green roof technology.
The Bauder BioSOLAR system uses the substrate and vegetation to provide the ballasted installation mechanism, removing the need to penetrate the waterproofing to secure the mounting units to the roof and simultaneously makes the most of the available area for vegetation, enabling the entire roof to qualify as a biodiverse green roof.
A key feature of Bauder’s unique system is that the front edge of the polycrystalline PV panel is raised 300mm above the finished green roof level, allowing light and moisture to reach beneath the panels whilst ensuring the mature vegetation will not shade the panels and can be easily maintained. The mixture of sunny, shaded and sheltered areas together with a variable depth of FLL compliant extensive substrate gives a matrix of different habitats that allow a broader range of plant species to thrive, and a rich foraging environment for bees and insects.
The BioSOLAR solution also delivers advantages to the building, as the cooling effect of the vegetation and water held within the green roof system preserves the ambient temperature around the PV array, which in turn increases the solar output by more than 5 per cent. Studies in Germany have shown that PVs work most efficiently with a temperature of around 24°C. The PV mounting frame features a 100 per cent recycled high-density polyethylene base board and consists of just three components – a quick-fix angle support, profile module rail and module fixings which make for an extremely quick and simple installation process.
Bauder works with clients throughout the project delivery process; from the initial consultation and site survey, through to the monitoring of the installation and handover to the client with a full guarantee. You will also receive support designing the PV array and green roof construction as well as a bespoke specification package for every element of the roof that includes detail design and wind uplift calculations.
With Bauder able to supply and install all of the waterproofing, green roof and PV elements, it gives clients total confidence that this energy-efficient and cohesive solution is the right one, with single point responsibility for all the roofing components.
For more information and technical support visit: www.bauder.co.uk
Contact:
0845 2718800