Standard or lightweight solar panels? Here are the 5 biggest differences

When choosing solar panels, factors such as weight, flexibility and efficiency play a crucial role. Most people are familiar with the traditional standard solar panels-the rugged, glass-based panels that have been installed on rooftops for years. In addition to these conventional panels, lightweight solar panels also exist, offering a more flexible and lightweight solution.

 

In this article, we will discuss the five main differences between these two types of solar panels. This knowledge will help you make the right choice for your business or project.

1. The biggest difference: weight

A standard solar panel weighs on average 30 kg on average, primarily through the use of glass and aluminum. In contrast, lightweight solar panels use fiberglass reinforced polymers, making a lightweight solar panel only 6 kg weighs. This means a weight savings of as much as 24 kg per panel.

 

With larger roofs, this difference is huge. For a roof area of 10,000 m², you save about 120 tons of weight. This makes lightweight solar panels particularly suitable for commercial roofs with limited carrying capacity, where conventional systems are often too heavy. You can find out how many pounds per square meter your commercial roof can support by having a stability study performed.

 

For commercial roofs in Flanders that cannot support the enormous weight of conventional solar panels, lightweight solar panels are the solution. The lower weight also offers installation advantages and prevents possible structural damage to the roof.

Case study

Noord Natie, a leading logistics company in the port of Antwerp, wanted to make its entire site more sustainable and in line with Flemish regulations had to +1,200 solar panels installed. The roof of one of their warehouses was ideal for this purpose, but had a limited carrying capacity, making traditional solar panels too heavy were.

 

EcoBeam offered the solution with lightweight solar panels, which only 3 kg per m² roads-20% of the weight of conventional panels. This allowed the installation to proceed without expensive roof reinforcements.

 

💡 These panels allowed Noord Natie to make the most of the warehouse roof, without structural interventions. A perfect example of how innovative solar energy is also possible on lighter roofs!

2. Flexibility

Conventional

Conventional solar panels are constructed of sheets of glass and an aluminum frame, making them rigid and not flexible are. This means that they can only be placed on flat or slightly sloped roofs and are not suitable for curved, wavy or irregular surfaces.

Lightweight

Lightweight solar panels on the other hand are made of flexible plastics instead of glass, allowing them to adapt to round or undulating roofs. They remain pliable to a radius of 2 meters, without sacrificing performance or efficiency. This makes them perfect for industrial applications where traditional panels are not possible.

The use of flexible plastics allows lightweight solar panels adapt to round, wavy or irregular roofs. They remain flexible up to a radius of 2 meters without losing their performance. This makes them ideal for applications such as curved roofs or integrated solar solutions (BIPV).

 

In addition, lightweight solar panels can often be custom manufactured, making them easy to incorporate into innovative architectural designs. Customization allows solar panels to be installed even on hard-to-reach or unusual surfaces without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality.

3. Way to install

Conventional solar panels

Conventional solar panels are mounted on support structures that can be mechanically attached to the roof. Ballasts, such as concrete blocks, are usually used to hold the panels in place. This traditional approach not only increases installation weight, but may also require maintenance to ensure stability.

Lightweight solar panels

Lightweight solar panels are attached directly to the roof skin with industrial glue or with narrow profiles which maintain a minimal space between roof and panel. This method offers ease of installation and makes the system resistant to harsh weather conditions.

The easier installation method of lightweight solar panels makes them ideally suited for roofs that are prone to damage or where quick installation is desired.

4. Solar reflection and heat generation

The glass of conventional solar panels reflects some of the sunlight, which limits energy output to some extent. In addition, the use of glass creates additional heat generation, which does reduce the performance of the solar panels.

 

Lightweight solar panels have a special top layer with heat-repellent and anti-reflective properties. Thanks to the lenticular structure of this layer, almost all sunlight is absorbed, which increases energy yield. The heat-repellent properties keep the temperature of the panels lower, contributing to more efficient operation even in hot weather.

5. Price and return

The efficiency of lightweight solar panels approaches 20%, which is comparable to that of conventional solar panels. Although the initial cost is slightly higher due to the use of advanced polymers, they offer greater efficiency in the long run.

 

Lightweight solar panels last longer and require less maintenance. In addition, their lighter weight and flexible mounting often allow them to be placed in locations where conventional systems are not an option. This ultimately results in higher efficiency and lower total cost of ownership.

In addition, with lightweight systems you avoid the cost of roof reinforcement or structural modifications, which is sometimes necessary with conventional systems. Overall, these advantages make lightweight solar panels an attractive choice for sustainable investors.

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