German PV manufacturer Solarwatt has received regulatory consent for a new bifacial tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) module designed for building-integrated (BIPV) applications.
Solarwatt’s glass-glass module has been granted general building approval (abZ) from the German Institute for Building Technology, clearing the way for its use in applications such as carports, parking lot canopies and building facades.
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“In recent years, the number of BIPV projects has risen steadily,” said Solarwatt product manager, Norbert Betzl. “Many municipalities now offer special subsidies for facade-integrated PV, green roof projects, and solar parking lot canopies. In addition, several federal states have mandated solar installations for certain new parking areas. Our construct module is designed precisely for these applications.”
Betzl said the abZ accreditation would reduce the bureaucratic burden of installing the module, as BIPV modules face significant building-code requirements.
“The abZ already eliminates the major regulatory hurdles. Architects, planners and installation companies receive a certified building tool for implementing carports, parking lot canopies and facade systems with our solar module. This creates planning certainty for all companies involved, which significantly simplifies and accelerates the implementation of BIPV projects,” said Betzl.
According to Solarwatt, the so-called Panel vision M 5.0 construct module delivers up to 227 watts peak per square meter, enabling high yields on limited areas, while the 3.2mm glass thickness and the specially reinforced frame mean the modules are also suitable for applications with very high snow and wind loads.
Furthermore, Solarwatt said the new TOPCon modules with abZ meet demanding fire protection requirements and are characterised by high resistance to hail damage.
