Swisspearl: In-Roof Photovoltaic System for Energy Efficiency
The Swisspearl Group unites companies in Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Finland. Its activities extend worldwide and the Swisspearl Group offers the world's largest range of fiber cement products for roofs, facades and interior finishing. Mr. Ulrich Paulmann, Swisspearl Deutschland GmbH, sees the Dach+Holz trade fair in Stuttgart as a very interesting part of the German exhibition landscape for his company.
Highlight: the new Sunskin Roof photovoltaic in-roof system
In 2024, Swisspearl is presenting new products such as the new Structa roof panel and, in particular, the new Sunskin Roof Lap in-roof photovoltaic system. Mr. Ammar Naji introduces us to this system in more detail. When you think of solar, you first think of the typical rooftop solutions, where solar modules are mounted on a pitched or flat roof. Swisspearl offers a new, building-integrated solution. This means that the solar modules not only form the roof envelope, but also produce energy - a significant difference to the familiar solar modules, which only produce energy but do not form a roof envelope.
Elegant solar modules without aluminum frame
From a purely technological point of view, there is no difference. The structure is almost the same, cells or half-cells are connected with wires, so the module is very similar. However, the lack of the usual aluminum frame on Swisspearl solar modules is immediately noticeable. The usual market for building-integrated solar modules is multi-layered; for example, there are suppliers who work with an aluminum pan onto which the laminate is glued. Other suppliers offer solar roof tiles.
Swisspearl modules aesthetic, robust and easy to install
With the Swisspearl solar modules Swisspearl is a very robust glass-glass module without a frame. They are so intelligently designed that the module can be seamlessly integrated into the roof. This allows large areas to be covered very easily and elegantly, which many consider to be a major advantage. The Swisspearl modules can be inserted into the substructure without screws. Compared to the usual rooftop modules, the costs are somewhat higher. However, if you look at the bigger picture, you realize that with a Swisspearl solar module, both the roof covering and the solar system are installed in one piece. This eliminates labor costs, the roof does not have to be covered first and then the solar system installed. In the end, the higher costs for the module are put into perspective and are only around 10-30% higher overall than with a conventional structure. In return, the building owner receives a very aesthetic, easy-to-install and robust solution.
High-quality solar modules with half cells ensure greater efficiency
The company deliberately opted for this very high-quality solution. Of course, there are cheaper glass foil modules. Swisspearl relies on double 3.2 mm thick glass with high resistance. The technology used for the modules works with half cells, which ensure that less current is generated per cell, meaning less heat and less resistance. As a result, efficiency is higher. Furthermore, topcon technology is used, the new standard in the solar industry.
Further features for the solar modules planned for the future
Mr. Naji sees what Swisspearl is showing at the Dach+Holz 2024 trade fair in the design of the modules on the Sunskin Roof Lap as a standard solution. In the future, frosted glass will also be an option as soon as glare is an issue. Colored solutions will also be offered for historic buildings, as very special aesthetic requirements often have to be met in listed buildings.
