Solar film from Triflex

The German, family-run company TRIFLEX from Minden is part of the Follmann chemicals group, a manufacturer specializing in building sealing systems. TRIFLEX is the innovation and market leader in Europe in this field and stands out with its PMMA technology. This technology is very fast and very durable. The main product has been in use for 25 years and tests show that it still looks as good as new on the products used at that time. TRIFLEX issues a certificate for a service life of 40 years per detail. TRIFLEX is also mainly active in the detail sector.

Systems for durable and extremely fast waterproofing of flat roofs

The company has its origins in the flat roof sector, but has developed further in the direction of balconies. The balconies division focuses on renovations, waterproofing and decorative surfaces. From there, the development went in the direction of parking garages, which has now become one of the largest areas. The systems for parking garages are also proving to be very durable and very fast. Speed plays a particularly important role in large multi-storey parking lots, which should be able to be reopened as quickly as possible. As TRIFLEX materials are very fast, the company gains a considerable advantage here. The specialist is now also active in the road sector, where the same USBs apply: in view of Germany's dilapidated infrastructure, things have to move quickly, bridges and roads cannot be closed for long. TRIFLEX materials are predestined for this scenario.

Development of a solar film in cooperation between TRIFLEX and Heliatek

Together with Heliatek from Dresden, TRIFLEX has developed a unique modular solution. This involves a PV film from Heliatek that contains no rare earths or silicon, but organic chemistry. The entire system consists mainly of CO2, the films are very thin, very light and very flexible. Most PV systems weigh around 25-30 kg/sqm, the system created with Heliatek weighs 5 kg/sqm. 90% of roofs in Germany cannot be used for PV because the buildings cannot support the usual PV systems for structural reasons. However, almost all of these buildings can be equipped with the TRIFLEX-Heliatek solution.

Modular principle for waterproofing roofs

If you want to install a PV system, the question always arises as to how long the roof will last. The modular system from TRIFLEX-Heliatek offers various options for sealing a roof, just like a car. If the roof is still intact, the film can only be bonded with these products. If the roof is already leaking or if there are concerns that the roof will not last as long as the PV film, a seal can be created into which the PV film is integrated. There is a special finish for open areas that works with a highly reflective SRI value of 107. This means that the sun is reflected, the roof does not heat up as much and increases the yield of the PV system. All in all, an extremely sustainable and innovative system that will be launched on the market in 2024.

Statics: 90% of German roofs cannot support a standard PV system

It makes sense to cover every roof that can be fitted with a normal PV system with one for economic reasons and in terms of yield. However, 90% of German roofs cannot be covered with a normal PV system. The solution for these roofs is the TRIFLEX-Heliatek film. Heliatek has already received a large number of inquiries for this product, and the market in Germany and Europe will be served first. This film can of course not only be applied to flat roofs, but also to façades. The latter is mainly used in South East Asia, where the regulations are different to those in Germany. Flat roofs may not be covered with PV in these countries, which is why the films are used.

Solar films offer enormous potential for the future

Based on a market analysis, 80% of surfaces and façades that cannot be fitted with a PV system can be covered with films. The film technology is very new and is developing in a similar way to the development of computers, which were initially bulky and slow, but are now in every cell phone. Heliatek was able to develop the modules from 45 to 55 watts within two years. In the future, it will be possible to achieve performance characteristics similar to those of a standard PV system.