A recently published study conducted by the Bundesverband Gebäude-Grün e.V. (BuGG) shows that Germany added over 10 million square meters of green roofs in 2023, with 87.4% being extensive green roofs—perfect for integrating solar panels. Despite this, many still believe that solar green roofs require high maintenance, which can discourage the installation of photovoltaic systems. In reality, the level of upkeep largely depends on the type of solar panels used, making it crucial to choose the right solar panels for your green roof to ensure minimal maintenance and optimal performance.
Conventional solar panels with conventional flat roof mounting structure
The solar panels cover a large portion of the green roof surface, creating shaded and damp areas beneath them. In these dark, moist spots, plants will grow quickly and try to reach the sunlight above the panels, eventually shading the installation and reducing energy production. As a result, frequent maintenance is required to remove the plants. Furthermore, the size of the solar panels complicates the maintenance process, as workers must lean over the panels carefully to remove weeds without applying too much pressure. In conclusion, this combination requires high maintenance and is not recommended.
Specialized vertical bifacial solar panels with a specialized mounting structure
On the other hand, taking care of an extensive green roof equipped with vertical panels is easy and requires minimal effort: just a few sessions per year, preferably in spring and early autumn, will be enough to keep the sedum healthy and vibrant. The vertical, low-profile design of Over Easy's solar panels ensures that the plants receive ample water and sunlight, while the space between the panels makes it easy to walk through and perform necessary maintenance tasks.
Solar green roof maintenance:
The maintenance steps for a solar green roof with Over Easy’s VPV units are the same as those for standard sedum roofs without solar panels.
Inspect your green roof
You should inspect your sedum roof at least twice a year to remove weeds and unwanted vegetation, check whether the rainwater drains are working properly and remove any leaves blown into the gutters and drains. Perform this operation more regularly if the roof is located in an area with many trees, as there could be more weeds and fruits to be removed. You can walk on the sedum and between the panels for maintenance, but avoid doing so when it’s freezing to prevent damage to the plants.
Feed the sedum
We recommend applying plant nutrition products to the sedum roof twice a year, with the best times being at the end of April and the beginning of September. This will promote healthy growth and prevent nutrient deficiencies within the plants.
Irrigate when necessary
Irrigation is generally not a requirement, unless the weather conditions are particularly dry.
For more information, watch the video to discover more about the best tips and practices for keeping your green roof healthy and efficient!
By following these straightforward steps, you ensure a healthy sedum roof alongside clean energy, making the upkeep of your solar green roof both efficient and effortless. Are you interested in maximizing the potential of your sedum roof while keeping it low maintenance? Get in touch with us today to discover how we can help you achieve a seamless integration of solar power and greenery.