Over Easy Solar innovates vertical rooftop biosolar

Rooftop solar is growing exponentially, but not every roof is suitable for a conventional solar energy system. Some flat roofs cannot bear the system’s heavy weight or intrusive fasteners. Green roofs, meanwhile, may suffer from an unfavourable microclimate, as conventional solar panels reduce water and light to plants while causing excessive heat.

Over Easy Solarsolves these challenges with vertical PV units that are low in weight and easy to install. The low-mounted model is suitable for flat roofs made of various types of material, while the high-mounted version is optimised for use with green roofscovered in plants such as sedum.

The plug-and-play system comes in a pre-assembled unit that integrates PV modules, electrical cabling and mounting structure. No tools are needed to easily install the unit, which can be done up to 10 times faster than conventional solutions (15 min per kWp), cutting costs and reducing labor requirements.

As a lightweight solution, the system adds less than 11 kg/m2 to the roof, eliminating pressure points and intrusive fasteners that could cause roof damage over time. 

Vertical solar panels are known to capture more sun and generate energy more hours per day than conventional systems. In one study, vertical solar panels are expected to have a 40 per cent higher capture rate in 2030 than conventional systems.

In addition, vertical systems are energy efficient, reaching peak production when the cost of energy is high and generating more energy during autumn, winter and spring. They also maintain high performance in areas exposed to snow loads, dusty conditions and low sun.

Moreover, the vertical panels seamlessly integrate with green roofs, boosting the climate benefits of biosolar roofing.

Substantial growth in rooftop solar PV is expected in the coming years. The global market for rooftop solar PV systems is projected to reach USD 89.9 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8 per cent from 2023 to 2032.

Over Easy Solar’s target customers are commercial and industrial building owners, green building developers and municipalities in Europe, where green roofing and sustainable building practices are gaining momentum.

The company is advancing towards full-scale commercialisation. The technology is patent pending, and all the principles and benefits are being demonstrated in a prototype and pilot installations through Europe.

In recent news, the company celebrated the successful installation of its first project in Germany on the green roof of the fire station in Kassel, and its panels were used in a world-record solar installation on the rooftop of the Norwegian National Football Stadium, Ullevaal Stadion.