Chemical firm BASF and SoloPower Systems of Portland, OR, USA, which designs, manufactures and deploys copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) flexible thin-film solar technology, have launched a seamless and multi-layered roofing system that combines energy efficiency, power generation, waterproofing and water harvesting.
Including roof panels, waterproofing membrane and solar panels, it is reckoned that the system can be up to 60% lighter than conventional roofs due to the lightweight construction materials throughout its design.
“The ability of this roof to combine, in a single product, best-in-class thermal insulation, water harvesting and solar power generation puts it ahead of the pack in generating both environmental benefits and rapid payback for customers,” claimed SoloPower’s chairman Neil Auerbach at the launch event.
“Incorporating existing technology from Germany and the United States, we have customized the system to enable optimum usage for climatic zones in South Africa,” says Angus Peruzzo, managing director of BASF Construction Chemicals South Africa. Using composite structural insulated panels provides a cost-effective way to comply with the national energy-efficiency regulations South African National Standards (SANS) 10400XA. “Our collaboration with SoloPower and the launch of this multi-layered system will enable energy and other resources to be harnessed more efficiently for the long-term,” Peruzzo adds.
