Lightweight and low maintenance: Australian solar pioneer unveils integrated PV for metal rooftops

Perth based solar glass innovator ClearVue Technologies has launched a “lightweight and low maintenance” integrated solar power solution engineered specifically for installation on metal rooftops.

Unveiled during an investor update on Wednesday evening, the new ClearVue-Helios is billed as a “cutting-edge” solar option for metal roofed buildings that can deliver 200 watts (W) per square metre.

As an added bonus, the proprietary mounting system helps to create a sealed secondary roof surface and an air gap that can keep buildings up to 30 per cent cooler, while also serving as a protective layer, extending the lifespan of the roof itself.

The new solar solution will be available in both a lightweight aluminium or heavier steel-backed to meet a range of construction needs, the company says.

The aluminium-backed option weighs only five kilograms per square metre, making it ideal for industrial rooftops unsuited to traditional solar panels. A heavier and more robust steel-backed option can also be used, which can be walked on for easy maintenance and continued access to the roof.

On the low maintenance side, the ClearVue-Helios requires only a rinse with water or a rooftop sprinkler system, making it ideal for high dust or high salt environments. It can also be integrated with ClearVue’s line of solar facades.

“The ClearVue-Helios line extends the breadth of solar solutions ClearVue provides for building envelopes,” said Douglas Hunt, CEO of ClearVue Technologies.

“This exclusive, integrated rooftop metal-backed, tempered solar panel and framing system delivers numerous benefits including excellent performance, lightweight installation and a fully sealed environment that is low maintenance.

“We will offer both aluminium and steel-backed options to the market to meet a variety of construction requirements.”

The first deployment of ClearVue-Helios products – which will be distributed globally by Helios Power – will be sued for a pilot project being built in partnership with modular homes manufacturer Prefabulous.

ClearVue, which is best known for its clear-glass solar windows, has extended its building integrated PV products into cladding, spandrel, balustrade and skylight solutions.

In May this year, the company landed a deal to supply its clear solar glass for a high-rise building currently undergoing a $A308 million facelift in the centre of Sydney.

The purchase order was issued by construction firm SRG Global, which is completing redevelopment of the City Tattersalls Club, where ClearVue’s building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) technology will form part of the building’s new $A600,000 rooftop.