Soprasolar Solar Panel Pedestals for Membrane Roofs

The demand for solar panels in both the residential and commercial space in New Zealand has significantly increased over recent years. This increase can be attributed to a heightened awareness of climate change and the potential for significant cost savings.

Improvement in technology and cost reductions over the last decade have made solar energy more accessible and economically viable.

Solar energy is an attractive option for residential and commercial buildings, and this trend is expected to continue as more New Zealanders seek sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.

Installing solar panels on flat roofs offers significant benefits, making them an attractive option for both residential and commercial buildings.

⇒ Optimal Angling and Orientation: Flat roofs allow for flexible positioning of solar panels. Installers can adjust the tilt and orientation of the panels to maximise sunlight exposure throughout the day, enhancing efficiency and energy output.

⇒ Ease of Installation and Maintenance: Installing and maintaining solar panels on flat roofs is generally easier and safer compared to sloped roofs.

⇒ Use of Space: Flat roofs provide unobstructed space for solar panel installations, especially in commercial buildings with large roof areas. More space allows for more panels, increasing energy output over time. Flat roofs can also accommodate other roof features, such as rooftop gardens or plant decks.

⇒ Aesthetics: Solar panels on flat roofs are less visible compared to those on sloped roofs, which can be advantageous in maintaining the aesthetic appeal of residential or commercial properties.

Traditional Method:

Traditionally, installing solar panels on a flat membrane roof involves installing a timber plinth over the completed membrane. The connection does cause penetrations in the membrane so the plinth is then overlaid with another layer of the waterproofing membrane. The solar panels are then attached to the plinth.

While this is a proven and widely used method, it is a time intensive process and can be costly due to increased materials and labour costs.

Soprasolar offers a pedestal solution for supporting solar panels over flat membrane roofs without compromising the waterproofing properties of the roof. The Soprasolar pedestal is fitted with a piece of roofing membrane (either bitumen or TPO) which is then welded directly on top of the finished membrane. This negates the need for penetrations into the waterproofing, reducing the risk of water ingress.

⇒ Non-Penetrative Installation: Eliminates the need for drilling or piercing the roof, preventing potential water leaks and preserving the roof’s integrity​.

⇒ Cost-effective: A more economical solution compared to traditional installation methods due to less material and labour costs.

⇒ Quick, Flexible Installation: Pedestals have adjustable heights for optimal panel orientation and are designed to be installed quickly with minimal components and less parties involved.

⇒ Reliability: The system has undergone testing for wind and fire resistance, ensuring long-term durability and safety.

Key Technical Benefits

• No piercing of the roof waterproofing
• Tested on APP and SBS bitumen cap sheets, and on single-layer TPO in a variety of conditions including wind uplift tests up to 200km/h.
• Project specific wind uplift calculations provided according to project wind zone.
• Suitable for roofs with a slope of up to 10%.
• Easy, quick installation and maintenance.
• Compatible with Bitumen or TPO membrane roofs.
• 20-year system warranty available.

Soprasolar’s innovative pedestal solution revolutionizes solar panel installation on flat membrane roofs. As the demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to grow in New Zealand, embracing technologies like Soprasolar will prove crucial keeping costs down.