09/18/2023
The importance of rooftop solar applications was recognized early by Sika.
Sika SolaRoof® Systems for Solar Rooftop Applications
The great opportunity of using flat rooftops for solar applications was recognized early by Sika. The first photovoltaic (PV) installations on Sarnafil® membranes date back to 2004. Several development steps led to the current Sika® SolarMount-1 (SSM1) system, and the further development SSM2. Both systems require no roof penetrations but are hot air welded to the Sika membrane, which prevents lateral movements (sliding) of the entire PV plant on the roof over time. The preferred orientation of the PV modules on SSM1 and SSM2 is east-west, since it offers the best compromise of various parameters towards the energy yield.
Sika maintains its own solar parks in several locations to:
- Monitor the energy yield of different PV technologies.¨
- Collect first-hand experience with long-term performance.
- Showcase the flexibility of Sika roofing solutions for PV applications.
A specialty are PV installations over highly reflective membranes (SR types). The reflectance can increase the performance of so-called bifacial Photovoltaic (PV) modules.
More Value
Customer: International retail chain with a predictable energy load progression.
Projects: New buildings or stores with a refurbished flat roof.
Requirements: The customer expects a high energy self-consumption rate thanks to the PV plant on the rooftop.
Sika Solution: Durable roof buildup with the thermoplastic Sarnafil® TS-77 membrane over the Sikatherm® PIR roofing system and Sika’s PV system Sika® SolarMount-1.
Sika Sustainability Approach: Custom project specific LCA report including calculation of carbon emissions savings. A self-consumption rate of 80% to 90% was reached.
Electricity production on the roof vs. personal consumption
