Photovoltaic roof integration: Ernst Schweizer and deSonna join forces

Ernst Schweizer AG, a leading provider in the field of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and the southern German systems provider deSonna have launched a groundbreaking partnership. The aim of this collaboration is to move building-integrated photovoltaics beyond its current niche status and make it accessible to a wider market. 

This strategic alliance focuses on simplifying and accelerating the installation of PV systems in new builds, existing buildings and even listed properties. By utilising flagship projects, the companies plan to raise awareness and acceptance of roof integration amongst builders and investors. Ernst Schweizer AG is bringing its proven Solrif in-roof PV system to the partnership, which has already delivered more than 850 megawatts peak of system capacity over the past 20 years. 

Despite the great potential of roof-integrated photovoltaics, deSonna and Ernst Schweizer identify the lack of project experience among tradespeople and property owners as a barrier to market penetration. The new collaboration aims to address this shortfall. 

DeSonna supports installers and roofers through training, demonstration installations and electrical planning to strengthen their expertise in the field of roof-integrated photovoltaics. Examples of flagship projects with system capacities of several hundred kWp demonstrate how large-scale roof-integrated systems can be efficiently implemented. 

Another milestone in this partnership is the launch of deSonna’s first online shop, developed specifically for building-integrated photovoltaics. There, tradespeople can order all components of the Solrif in-roof system and have them delivered directly to the construction site. Dietmar Kraus of deSonna emphasises that it is crucial to make roof-integrated systems as easy and quick to install as rooftop systems, and that the BIPV web shop ensures the reliable availability of all components and spare parts. 

Helge Hartwig, Sales Manager at Schweizer and a long-standing advocate of the Solrif system, highlights that roof-integrated PV systems, when combined with roof renovations, can be more cost-effective than traditional roof tiles combined with rooftop solar systems. The Solrif system is easily installed on the standard substructure of battens and counter-battens. Hartwig also emphasises the longevity of the roof-integrated systems, which can even match or exceed that of roof tiles, as experience with the first Solrif projects from 1998 shows.