Photovolatic membrane

As Fatra has a wealth of expertise in manufacturing waterproofing base membranes, it is the Fatrasol photovoltaic function that especially deserves a few words.

Photovoltaic cells are integrated on the top surface of waterproofing bands and they must be identically flexible. Uni-Solar, the photovoltaic cell supplier, currently manufactures flexible triple-junction photovoltaic cells based on amorphous silicon.

Their core component is a high-grade steel foil onto which three silicon layers are affixed atop each other with additional trace elements so that the layers use different bandwidths of the solar radiation spectrum.

Advantages of solar membrane roof over solar panels

The photovoltaic and waterproofing functions of the roof are combined in a single membrane:

• The unique triple-junction technology by Uni-Solar generates the maximum amount of electricity possible under current weather conditions (up to 15 to 20% more than conventional single-junction solar panels).
• Easy to install and replace, light weight, long durability, flexibility, may be walked on
• No bonding primer, formwork, frames or reinforcement required
• 25-year warranty for roof function (at least 80% performance of output power during the warranty period)
• A comprehensive roofing solution with professional support

The Fatrasol membrane may be combined with thermal insulation, producing a comprehensive roofing system with waterproofing, photovoltaic and thermal insulation functions

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FATRAROOF Solar - Photovoltaics on roof

 As the development of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal and biomass energy), whose advantage lies in not polluting the environment with emissions and irreversible production of greenhouse gasses, is currently underway with EU support, the management of Fatra a.s. has resolved to manufacture integrated photovoltaic membranes marketed under the Fatrasol brand.

FATRASOL - photovoltaic membranes 

FATRASOL is a special solar membrane consisting of a photovoltaic layer (Uni-Solar) affixed on a white TPO membrane. The customer thus purchases a single product featuring both photovoltaic and waterproofing properties. A suitable combination of four basic Fatrasol models can be installed on any flat or gently sloping roof to both create a standard waterproofing layer and produce electricity. See Table 1 for technical specifications of the models.

FATRAROOF Solar (roof with a photovoltaic membrane)

FATRASOLphotovoltaic membrane

Plastic-coated sheet metal

Thermal insulation

Vapour control membrane 

Closure for corrugated sheet metal 

Corrugated sheet metal 

More on FATRASOL photovoltaic technology

As Fatra has a wealth of expertise in manufacturing waterproofing base membranes, it is the Fatrasol photovoltaic function that especially deserves a few words.

Photovoltaic cells are integrated on the top surface of waterproofing bands and they must be identically flexible. Uni-Solar, the photovoltaic cell supplier, currently manufactures flexible triple-junction photovoltaic cells based on amorphous silicon. Their core component is a high-grade steel foil onto which three silicon layers are affixed atop each other with additional trace elements so that the layers use different bandwidths of the solar radiation spectrum.

Technical specifications of Fatrasol solar membranes

The bottom membrane of high-grade steel of amorphous cells is the negative (-) pole while the mesh, also made of high-grade steel, on the cell top surface is the positive (+) pole. Both layers are encapsulated in a protective transparent polymer casing. When exposed to sunshine, the photovoltaic cells generate electric current. If connected to the grid (on-grid system), the current is brought by connecting cables to converters (conversion of direct current into alternating current with a defined frequency and voltage) or to accumulator charging control units if an off-grid system is used.

Advantages of a FATRASOL solar membrane roof over solar panels

The photovoltaic and waterproofing functions of the roof are combined in a single membrane.

The unique triple-junction technology by Uni-Solar generates the maximum amount of electricity possible under current weather conditions (up to 15 to 20% more than conventional single-junction solar panels).

Easy to install and replace, light weight, long durability, flexibility, may be walked on

No bonding primer, formwork, frames or reinforcement required

25-year warranty for roof function (at least 80% performance of output power during the warranty period)

A comprehensive roofing solution with professional support

The Fatrasol membrane may be combined with thermal insulation, producing a comprehensive roofing system with waterproofing, photovoltaic and thermal insulation functions