Mounting system for lightweight roofs

Sunset Energietechnik, a module wholesaler based in Adelsdorf, Germany, has introduced an unconventional mounting system for flat roofs.

© Sunset Energie-technik GmbH Lightweight: Sun Top Lite's polystyrene substructure weighs just 5 kg.

Sun Top Lite was developed to eliminate problems associated with the integration of PV systems into lightweight flat roofs.

According to Sunset's head of R&D, Aswin Linsenmeyer, adequate solutions are lacking for lightweight roofs. Weights for fixing the modules can't be used, the drilling required with other systems impacts the watertightness, and a connection with supporting walls requires elaborate constructions that "look terrible, and, to put it plainly, are expensive as hell," he says. Sun Top Lite consists primarily of polystyrene blocks that are attached to the roof and thus also serve as an additional means of thermal insulation.

The system is similar to the PowerGuard solar roof system from US-based PowerLight, which also uses a polystyrene thermal-insulating substructure so that the roof membrane does not require penetration. But PowerGuard is not mounted with an adhesive; instead, the solar system is held in place on the roof through an ingenious aerodynamic system. However, the system only works with roofs up to a 10 degree slope. Sun Top Lite, on the other hand, can be used with any sloped roof, though Linsenmeyer emphasizes that it was primarily developed for use with flat roofs. Sun Top Lite has appropriate adapters for compatibility with tiles or other roof types. It is possible to customize the system for use with various module types.

The recommended end-consumer price excluding taxes is about €588 ($512) per kilowatt, though the price can vary considerably depending on the design of the substructure. js
 

Sunset Energietechnik GmbH
Industriestrasse 8-22
91325 Adelsdorf, Germany
phone +49/9195/9494-0, fax -290
ali@sunset-solar.com

Jochen Siemer
© PHOTON International, April 2002