Innovation at Ecobuild - Introducing Biosolar

Deciding between a green roof and photovoltaics (PV) has been a question faced by many industry professionals over recent years when designing a flat roof; however these two technologies are no longer mutually exclusive options with the introduction of biosolar roofs…
  A biosolar roof is the successful combination of biodiverse and extensive green roofs with photovoltaic systems, delivering a duality of technologies for environmental advantage and increased profitability for 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 green roof footprint: 

- Cooling effect of vegetation increases solar output by up to 5%
- Green roof element can act as ballast so waterproofing is not penetrated
- Entire roof can qualify as biodiverse green roof 
- 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; a biosolar roof 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 a duality of technologies for environmental advantage, and a 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 over 30 years ago and it is now bringing to market its own innovative PV mounting system for biodiverse and extensive green roofs, Bauder BioSOLAR. 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 PV mounting frame features a 100% recycled high-density polyethylene base board and consists of just three components - a quick fix angle support, profile module rail and module fixings – that make for an extremely quick and simple installation process. With Bauder able to supply all of the waterproofing, green roof and PV elements it gives you total confidence that this energy efficient and cohesive solution is the right one for your project.
 
BioSOLAR AT ECOBUILD
Bauder BioSOLAR will be officially launched to the public and widespread construction industry in March at Ecobuild - the world’s leading event for sustainable design, construction, energy and the built environment. BauderSOLAR Product Manager Tom Raftery will also be in attendance to discuss the system’s unrivalled performance capabilities and answer any technical questions that people may have about its applications.
  With Ecobuild fast approaching arrange your free entry ticket now by visiting www.ecobuild.co.uk and be sure to visit Bauder on Stand E4090 across from the Discover Zone near the N3 entrance. In the interim, if you have any questions about biosolar roofs or want to find out more information contact Bauder on 0845 2718800 or email [email protected].