Swiss module manufacturer Meyer Burger plans to expand its product portfolio with a roof-integrated solar system. It is to be installed in the same way as traditional roof tiles. However, to speed up the product launch, the company is using a certified and building authority-approved solution developed by a German engineering service provider specialising in photovoltaics and electromobility. The two partners have already agreed on the acquisition of the rights by Meyer Burger.
Presentation at The smarter E Europe
The company has not yet announced what the solution will be and what it will look like in concrete terms. Meyer Burger will present the solar roof tiles for the first time at this year's The smarter E Europe, which will take place in Munich from 6 to 8 October 2021. The first delivery to customers is planned for the second half of 2022. "Integrated solar roof systems still represent a market niche today. With our novel solar tile solution, we plan to take roof-integrated solutions out of the niche and into a larger market," says Gunter Erfurt, CEO of Meyer Burger, explaining the acquisition of the in-roof solution. "It thus enables us to perfectly complement our portfolio of premium products and is another consistent step within our growth strategy."
Higher output of solar cells
With the solar roof tiles, Meyer Burger aims to solar activate roofs for which rooftop installations are not an option for various reasons. The company will also equip the solar roof tiles with its own technical developments. For example, they will be equipped with the company's own heterojunction cells, which are interconnected with Smart Wire technology. This enables a higher output. This is because Meyer Burger reduces the shading losses, which are usually caused by the busbars on the top of the cell, by using a grid of ultra-thin wires through which the charge carriers are dissipated.
Solution for listed houses
Accordingly, the company also defines private roof systems with completely new or replacement roofing as target applications. In addition, Meyer Burger also has its sights set on buildings in redevelopment and listed areas, houses with limited roof loads as well as roof installations that are particularly aesthetically demanding. (su/mfo)
See also: Meyer Burger strengthens its management team with seasoned solar expert
