By Joshua Robinson –

In times of increasing hailstorms, solar systems that can withstand hail are becoming increasingly important. A Swiss solar roof system has now been awarded the highest hail protection class.

Kay Blechschmidt, Head of the Test Laboratory at P+F Expert AG, said: “The energies involved in the impact of a hailstone are enormous. We simulate these energies 1:1 in our test laboratory using artificially generated ice balls.”

The ‘Level’ solar roof from Swiss solar manufacturer Megasol was bombarded with such ice balls to test its durability.

Michael Reist, Head of Communications at Megasol, said: “Hailstones with a diameter of 5 cm and a speed of 110 km/h were fired. We developed the ‘Level’ solar roof specifically to withstand severe environmental influences such as heavy hail, high snow loads and wind suction forces.”

The system is based on glass-glass solar modules, which have a particularly high resistance. According to the manufacturer, the ‘Level’ solar roof achieves the highest hail protection at class 5.

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Michael Reist added: “The ‘solar surcharge’ only accounts for a good quarter of the costs of a roof. This means that after a few years, this ‘solar surcharge’ is already amortized. After that, the solar system pays for the roof.”

“The Level solar roof is therefore cheaper than a conventional roof.”

The short installation time and the simplicity of the system also play a large part in the low costs. The system has just three components: solar modules, retaining hooks and short sealing rails. Also making the system easy to transport. According to Megasol, the system is available in large quantities directly from stock in Deitingen, Canton Solothurn, Switzerland.

On the subject of complicated roof surfaces, Reist says: “These can also be done very cost-effectively thanks to fitting pieces made of aluminum composite plates.”

To learn more, please visit: https://megasol.ch/level/

About Megasol:

Megasol Energy AG is a developer and manufacturer of solar building materials based in Deitingen (Canton Solothurn, Switzerland). The company works closely with architects, planners and façade builders from project development to implementation, and also provides support in finding design solutions with individual sampling.

The company has been manufacturing photovoltaic modules for 30 years. In addition to standardized products, the company focuses on custom-made building-integrated solar systems (BIPV).

All Megasol Energy Ltd. products are manufactured using renewable energies. The company is active in over 18 countries and employs around 350 people worldwide.

To learn more, please visit: https://megasol.ch/