The year 2024 brought a lot of positive news to the market with integrated photovoltaic systems in Europe, especially in the segment of reconstruction of old roofs, which are actively supported by government subsidy programs.
The renewal of the European building stock is an important step towards climate neutrality and an important contribution to the creation of sustainable and affordable housing. At the beginning of May this year, the European leader in BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) systems, the French company GSE Integration, officially joined the Wienerberger Group of companies.
Strengthening its position as the leading European pitched roof expert in the field of innovative roofing and solar solutions
With the acquisition of the Terreal Creaton group, Wienerberger positions itself as a European expert in the field of pitched roofs, capable of integrating solar energy, rainwater and other technical solutions, including auxiliary and insulating materials, thus creating a solid platform for further growth.
Wienerberger expects this acquisition to generate additional annual revenue of about 725 million euros. According to forecasts, the total area covered by pitched roofs as a result of the merger of enterprises will amount to about 75 million square meters per year. The deal includes 28 production sites and almost 3,000 Terreal Creaton employees, who will now join Wienerberger’s strong team and whose passion and creativity will actively contribute to shaping the future of the construction industry. This step strengthens Wienerberger’s position as a leading provider of innovative integrated roofing solutions and technical solutions using solar energy.
As a European expert on pitched roofs, Wienerberger can now offer even more comprehensive roofing solutions, which are necessary primarily for the renewal of the European building stock and mark an important step towards climate neutrality. This will be crucial to achieving the goals of the European Green Agreement, as old roofs account for approximately 30% of energy losses in buildings. Roofs with both protective and multifunctional properties are another contribution to ensuring climate neutrality and environmental friendliness of buildings, a development that Wienerberger continues to develop: innovative solutions in the field of solar energy and water supply management help reduce emissions and save valuable resources.
Thus, this acquisition is not only the ideal next step in implementing Wienerberger’s value-added growth strategy, but also an important step in the company’s efforts to achieve its ambitious sustainability goals. Moreover, this step will contribute to providing affordable, high-quality housing to more people than ever before, and, at the same time, a sustainable solution to the problem of climate change and its consequences.
The GSE IN-ROOF SYSTEM™ from GSE Intégration is by far the most certified, versatile and cost-effective BIPV system on the market
Today, most photovoltaic installations are mainly various BAPV (Building Attached Photovoltaics) systems installed directly on the roof covering of the building. Such systems are called “On Roof”.
Also, there are various BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) systems that are integrated directly into the structure of the building, most often the roof, thereby becoming part of the roof structure. Such systems are called “In Roof”. In the picture below, you can see an example of the BIPV system from GSE Intégration.
Over the past 14 years, more than 6 million square meters of roofs, in more than 30 countries, have been covered with a BIPV system from GSE Intégration, with a total capacity of more than 1.3 GWp. Today, GSE IN-ROOF SYSTEM™ is the European market leader among BIPV systems. This system is so versatile that it is compatible with all types of roofing, as well as with 95% of all standard PV modules on the market. In addition, in collaboration with manufacturers such as Velux, Fakro and Roto, connecting components have been developed that make it easy to combine the GSE IN-ROOF SYSTEM™ with roof windows.
The system is ideal for new builds or reconstruction of an old roof, as it is installed directly on the wooden roof structure, directly on the roof battens. Thus, the system becomes part of the roofing structure, and together with the PV module, it turns into a roofing. This solution makes it possible to simplify the process of roofing, as well as save on roofing materials. The system includes various models of frames made of heavy-duty and lightweight plastic capable of withstanding high loads, temperatures and other climatic conditions.
Despite the fact that some components of the system are made of plastic, the system itself is one of the most BIPV certified systems on the European market and has Broof T1, T2, T3 and T4 fire certificates that meet the qualification requirements of the Czech market’s ČSN 73 08xx series standards with a classification protocol in accordance with EN 13501-5 for roof cladding.
Here are some technical criteria and parameters that make this system universal in use:
- The system is so simple that it is easy to assemble and disassemble with minimal effort, and also provides very easy access to the space under the PV modules in case of maintenance work. From 10 to 16 PV modules can be installed in about 6 hours.
- The system can be used on a roof with a slope of at least 12 degrees.
- The system is compatible with all types of roofing, whether it is classic shingles or corrugated metal sheet.
- The system is compatible with roof windows from Velux, Fakro and Roto companies.
- PV modules can be installed in the system in both vertical and horizontal positions.
- The system can be of any size and array, from a single PV module to covering the entire roof surface with PV modules.
- The maximum dimensions of standard PV modules compatible with the system today are 2180×1305 mm (in vertical format) and 940×1740 mm (in horizontal format), which allows the use of PV modules with a capacity of as much as 600Wp.
- The system has a very high-tech and practical design, which provides sufficient ventilation in the roof structure, and does not allow dirt to accumulate under the PV modules, and also has a very modern and attractive appearance.
- The system is one of the most certified BIPV systems in the EU and is waterproof, fire-resistant, ventilated, and recyclable.
- The system is also economically profitable and financially attractive. The price of one square meter of the system, with all its components, ranges from 25-30 euros.
- As with most roofing materials, the system is covered by a warranty of at least ten years.
- The system is light in weight and takes up very little space during transportation and manipulation. 116 half-frame frames are placed on one euro pallet.
- The delivery time of the goods to Slovakia is about 5-7 days after payment of the order.
The GSE IN-ROOF SYSTEM™ is a cost-effective and standardized solution for developers, especially if they want to reduce the cost of building materials. Moreover, this technical solution fits perfectly into the changes in legislation related to the concept of “energy transition” on the mandatory availability of environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources in the project of new buildings.
Government subsidies are ready to cover up to 75% of the cost of photovoltaics projects
The current geopolitical situation, in tandem with the “green” agenda being implemented in the EU in all segments of the economy, including the energy market, forces everyone to look for economical and environmentally friendly solutions. More and more people and companies are investing in solar systems and energy storage. The transition to renewable energy sources is one of the key topics of state programs for the development of “green” energy, as well as energy independence and security. Government support is becoming an increasingly important part of sustainable housing construction. Due to the significant increase in interest in photovoltaic power plants for the housing market, the number of applications for subsidies under the new Green Savings Program has also increased several times.
A good example is Czechia, which in 2023 became the European leader in the commissioning of photovoltaic systems in residential buildings, and continues to hold the lead this year. From 2024, small municipalities with a population of up to 3,000 residents, and larger municipalities with a population of more than 3,000 inhabitants, have an excellent opportunity to receive very profitable subsidies for the purchase of photovoltaic power plants for facilities owned by them. The Ministry of the Environment, together with the State Environmental Fund of the Czech Republic, allocates billions of euros of investments under the RES+ program. Thus, municipalities have received and can use a modern reliable source of energy in the form of photovoltaic systems.
The application for subsidies for small municipalities has the designation RES+ No. 3/2024. The subsidy is intended for the installation of new photovoltaic power plants with an installed capacity of up to 1MW (inclusive). This task is designed for small communities of up to 3,000 inhabitants.
Thus, municipalities with a small population of up to 3,000 residents can receive up to 75% of financial support for the installation of photovoltaic systems on roofs and canopies of public buildings. This initiative has been announced as a one-time non-competitive procedure, and its cost is 1 billion CZK.
This program can be used in municipalities when investing in the reconstruction of roofs on which photovoltaic systems will be installed. This provides additional economic benefits when using the BIPV system for the reconstruction of old roofs.
The annual benchmark for development and achievements in the photovoltaics market is the Intersolar Europe exhibition
In the second half of June this year, you have an amazing opportunity to get acquainted with the unique mounting systems for standard PV modules from the French company GSE Intígration at the annual world-leading solar industry exhibition Intersolar Europe 2024.
GSE Intégration and GOU Group invite you to the Intersolar Europe exhibition, which demonstrates the enormous viability of the solar energy market. This year, the Intersolar Europe exhibition will be held from June 19th to 21st in Munich (Messe München) as part of the Smarter E Europe Innovation Center, Europe’s largest association of exhibitions for the energy industry. Renewable energy sources, decentralization and digitalization are leading to long-term changes in the world of energy. This development requires cross-industry, intelligently connected concepts and solutions for efficient energy production, storage, distribution and use. Under the motto “Creating a new Energy World”, Smarter E Europe brings together four exhibitions and conferences that address these topics in detail. Thus, it is currently Europe’s largest platform for the energy industry.
GSE Intégration participates in this exhibition every year, and once again invites all its partners, customers and all interested parties to visit the GSE Intégration exhibition stand, which will be located in Pavilion A5, stand No. 360.
You will meet an international team of professionals who will show and reveal the amazing technical capabilities of the integrated GSE IN-ROOF SYSTEM™ and the GSE GROUND SYSTEM™, their environmental and economic advantages, as well as new trends in the BIPV industry and company news. You will be able to get acquainted with the components and modifications of these systems live, as well as learn more details and nuances of installing systems on the stand.
We look forward to meeting you!
