On a significant number of rooftops of industrial buildings, rooftop solar power plants have not yet been installed because the building permits for these buildings do not allow the installation of standard rooftop systems due to the high weight load of these systems.

The main aspect in this issue is the statics and the resulting potential for roof loading of the system. A conventional load-bearing system is 20-25 kg/m², a system with lightweight panels is 5-7 kg/m². Ultralight technology is thus an ideal solution for buildings that are older and where high loads were not considered at all during their design and construction.

At Greenbuddies, we are concerned with this issue and have therefore established a partnership with Sunman, a manufacturer of flexible lightweight eArc panels that allow PV to be installed on buildings that are structurally unsuitable for ballasted systems. 

These panels are made from advanced composite materials that reduce their overall weight without compromising durability or performance. Weighing much less than traditional glass solar panels, Sunman panels offer a unique combination of lightness and efficiency.

Technical specifications of lightweight Sunman panels include high solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency, long life and ease of installation. The panels are designed to accommodate new projects as well as retrofits of existing roofs, expanding the range of applications.

Comparisons with conventional PV panels show that Sunman's lightweight panels offer significant advantages, particularly where the integrity of the roof structure must be maintained or where there are limitations in terms of additional load. This feature makes Sunman panels an ideal choice for solar energy development in urbanized areas with limited access to traditional installations.
 

Low weight of PV panels

eArc modules are 70% lighter and up to 95% thinner than standard glass modules. This significant reduction in weight and thickness makes eArc panels ideal for roofs that cannot support the heavier loads of conventional solar systems. The lightweight panels allow solar to be installed on roofs with limited load capacity without the need for additional structural modifications.

Higher efficiency of PV module transport

Due to their lightweight and compactness, eArc panels are easier to transport and handle. Up to 60% more power in kW can fit on a single pallet than standard panels, greatly reducing logistics costs and simplifying the distribution of solar systems.

The durability of Sunman panels

The eArc panels have successfully passed the same durability tests required for glass modules, including IEC 61215:2016, IEC 61730:2016 and UL1703 (USA) standards. In addition, they have been tested for corrosion resistance, confirming their exceptional durability even under harsh conditions.

Fast installation of ultralight PV systems

Installation of eArc panels is fast and efficient, requiring no drilling into the roofing, reducing installation time by 40%. In addition, installation does not require any special tools, simplifying the process and reducing installation costs.

Foil roofs with low load capacity

Sunman's lightweight solar panels are ideal for low-load-bearing foil roofs, as their design requires minimal loading. These roofs can typically support less weight than traditional roof systems, which is why the lightweight nature of eArc panels is particularly valued. Due to their reduced weight, they do not exert much pressure on the roof structure, eliminating the risk of damage or the need to reinforce the roof.

Trapezoidal profiled steel roofs

Trapezoidal profiled steel roofs, characterised by their strength and durability, are another type of roof where Sunman lightweight panels may prove to be a suitable choice. While these roofs are strong, the addition of heavy solar systems could require additional structural modifications. The use of lightweight Sunman panels here allows the installation of solar systems without the need for additional investment in roof strengthening.

Roofs made of historic materials

For older buildings or listed buildings, the installation of traditional solar panels can be problematic due to aesthetic or regulatory constraints. Lightweight Sunman solar panels can be a suitable alternative in these cases, as their installation interferes less with the original appearance of the roof and reduces the risk of damage.

Roofs with curvature

Lightweight eArc solar panels are also ideal for applications on curved roofs, which are often challenging to install traditional solar systems. Thanks to their flexibility and light weight, eArc panels can adapt to different roof curvatures without the need for complex and costly substructure modifications. This adaptability allows solar energy to be used even on roofs with atypical shapes, such as arched hangars or roofs with a slight curve, expanding the possibilities of solar energy for diverse building projects.

The installation process begins with careful preparation of the surface on which the panels will be mounted. The surface must be free of dust, oil, ice, snow and moisture to avoid adhesion being adversely affected. In the case of installation on flat roofs, a combination of butyl tape and silicone or silicone alone can be used to attach the aluminium tubes that serve as the support structure for the panels.

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