The MegaSlate Solar roof system from 3S Swiss Solar Systems is a pioneering, architecturally aesthetic BIPV concept designed for new builds and roof retrofits. The latest version of this technology enables an integrated, energy-producing roofing system which combines PV with solar heat – meaning home owners can produce electricity with the panels and warm up used water to support their heating systems. This product is certified by the TÜV, tested for wind and snow load, as well as for resistance to hail, offering optimal weather protection.
The solar laminate of the MegaSlate system has a standard size and is suitable for roof surfaces with an angle of inclination of at least 20º. The use of individual tailor-made elements is also possible, allowing for the adaptation to roof areas, skylights and dormers. The solar laminates are overlapping with glass fiber reinforced plastic sections in-between, which serve both as supporting rails for the solar laminates and as gutters. The laminates are suspended from holding hooks on the prepared roof construction, and are wired with plugs and sockets. The solar laminates can be walked on, and can therefore be removed individually without any issues. 3S provides a warranty for the PV modules with a performance guarantee of 90% of minimum output for 10 years and 80% of minimum output for 20 years.
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The MegaSlate H&S heating panel was developed in collaboration with H&S Solar in Rebstein (SG). The PV and heating modules from Lyss are frameless, enable large-surface and integrate for aesthetic appeal.
Problems
The main issues with BIPV tiles are weight and price. The MegaSlate Solar roof system has was first designed at 22kg, which although not overly heavy, needed to come down in order to boost appeal. Production costs of the tiles were also far higher than conventional PV modules, so this was another area needing to be addressed in order to increase the appeal for BIPV products in relation to conventional PV systems as well as reaching grid-parity.
Solution
The MegaSlate system has now come down from 22kg to 17kg per tile, this drop in weight will now drive implementation further. 3S has also been able to pass on a cost reduction of 18% to its customers through reduced production costs overall. The company will now work to get this down further, as the lower the price, the more quickly electricity from a solar installation can be offered at the same cost as the general end-user energy price.
Availability
The new generation of MegaSlate is being marketed worldwide through the distribution partners of 3S Swiss Solar Systems. Available now.