All about green roof with solar panels

Buildings are getting smarter and greener. By now, you’ve probably heard of green roofs and solar panels. They’re both great. One helps you save energy, and the other literally turns your roof into a mini nature reserve.

But here’s the thing—why settle for just one when you can have the best of both?

For many property owners, choosing between a green roof or solar panels can be a tough call. Do you go for lush greenery and environmental perks or clean, renewable solar power?

Luckily, you don’t have to pick sides anymore.

That’s where the biosolar roof comes in. This setup is the ultimate combo that lets you enjoy the perks of both. You’ll save on energy bills and help the environment. Plus, it’s a great way to boost biodiversity in cities.

On this page, here’s what we’ll cover:

• What exactly is a green roof?
• Why combining solar panels with a green roof is a game-changer.
• How biosolar roofs can improve your building’s energy efficiency and promote biodiversity.
• The different types of green roofs and how to choose the best one for your solar system.

We’ve got lots to cover, so without further ado, let’s get right into it:

What is a green roof?

A green roof is like a living, breathing garden right on top of your building. But it’s not just about planting a few flowers. Underneath all that greenery, there’s a whole system working to keep things in check: drainage layers, root barriers, and waterproofing to protect the building.

Why is this so interesting? For starters, it looks amazing and gives wildlife like birds and bugs a place to live, especially in cities where green spaces are rare. But a green roof also keeps your building cosy. In the winter, it traps heat, and in the summer, it keeps things cool. It’s like putting a giant eco-friendly blanket on your roof that also happens to cut down your energy bills.

Benefits of green roofs: Why are they better than normal roofs?

Here’s the thing about green roofs: they do way more than just look pleasing to the eye. They’re built to last and offer loads of practical benefits.

For one, they help with insulation, keeping your building warm in the winter and cool in the summer. That means less energy used on heating and cooling, which is great for your wallet.

But it’s not just about saving money. A green roof also helps the environment by improving air quality and reducing rainwater runoff (basically, it absorbs rain so it doesn’t flood the streets). Additionally, this helps out local wildlife, as these roofs create little ecosystems for birds, bees, and other critters.

Indubitably, a green roof is your all-in-one upgrade for your building that’s practical and eco-friendly.

Advantages and disadvantages of green roofs

When it comes to green roofs, there’s a lot to love, but like any solution, they come with their pros and cons. On the bright side, green roofs offer fantastic benefits.

However, they also require some planning and maintenance to get the most out of them. Here’s a quick look at how the advantages and disadvantages stack up:

The different types of green roofs

Not all green roofs are created equal! They come in a variety of styles, each designed to meet different needs, budgets, and goals. Whether you want something low-maintenance or you’re dreaming of a rooftop garden bursting with life, there’s a green roof that’s just right for you.

Let’s take a closer look at the main types and see how they pair with solar panels to create the ultimate biosolar roof:

Extensive green roofs

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to add some greenery to your building, an extensive green roof is the perfect choice. These roofs are thin and flat, with a shallow soil layer, usually around 5 to 15 cm deep, making them lightweight and easy to manage. They’re ideal for buildings that can’t handle a lot of extra weight. The plants on these roofs are tough, drought-resistant types like sedum or moss, which don’t need much care to thrive.

Extensive green roofs are a great fit for residential buildings or smaller structures. They help improve biodiversity and provide natural insulation to keep your building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, without costing a fortune. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to maintain. Aside from a quick check or light pruning every now and then, they pretty much take care of themselves.

Another bonus? They work perfectly with solar panels. Together, they create a lightweight biosolar roof that boosts your building’s energy efficiency. The shallow soil provides plenty of space for solar panel mounts, while the plants flourish in the shaded areas, helping both systems perform at their best.

Intensive green roofs

An intensive green roof is like having a full-blown garden right on top of your building. These roofs are much thicker and heavier than their extensive counterparts, with soil layers that go beyond 15 cm. That extra depth opens up a world of possibilities: you can grow shrubs, flowers, and even small trees. Some designs even include paths, seating areas, or spaces for outdoor gatherings, making it feel like your own private rooftop park.

Because they’re heavier and more complex, intensive green roofs are best suited for commercial buildings or larger structures that can handle the weight. They’re perfect for projects that prioritise aesthetics or want to create a peaceful, green oasis in the middle of the city. Along with looking amazing, these roofs offer practical perks, like enhancing biodiversity and keeping surface temperatures down during the hot summer months.

Of course, a beautiful garden requires a bit of work. Intensive green roofs need more upkeep than other types. You’ll need to plan for regular watering, weeding, and seasonal plant care to keep everything lush and healthy.

If you’re adding solar panels to the mix, some thoughtful design will ensure taller plants don’t block sunlight. But when done right, the result is a stunning, eco-friendly space that helps the environment while generating clean, renewable solar power.

Semi-intensive green roofs

A semi-intensive green roof is the best of both worlds. It combines the lightweight, low-maintenance nature of an extensive green roof with the lush, vibrant appeal of an intensive roof. With a soil depth of 15-20 cm, these roofs can handle a variety of plant species, from simple grasses and herbs to colourful flowers. If you want your rooftop to have a bit more life and visual interest without committing to a full rooftop garden, this is the perfect middle ground.

These roofs are great for buildings that want the benefits of a green space but can’t handle the extra weight of a more intensive setup. They’re versatile, adding beauty and biodiversity without pushing your building’s limits.

Maintenance-wise, semi-intensive green roofs are pretty manageable. They’ll need occasional watering, pruning, and some seasonal TLC, but nothing that’ll take up too much of your time. And if you’re thinking about pairing it with solar panels, you’re in luck. With thoughtful planning, you can avoid shading issues, ensuring your solar system works efficiently while your plants thrive in those shaded areas.

Biodiverse or brown roofs

A biodiverse roof, often called a brown roof, is all about giving nature a helping hand. Unlike the typical green roof designed to dazzle with lush plants and bright flowers, these roofs have a different mission: creating a safe haven for local wildlife. Made with a mix of soil, gravel, and even recycled materials, they’re perfect for encouraging the growth of native plant species that thrive on their own. The result? A rooftop buzzing with life, from insects to birds, helping to boost urban biodiversity massively.

These roofs are ideal for city buildings or projects that have a strong focus on ecology. Whether you’re aiming to counter the effects of urbanisation or just want to give back to the environment, a biodiverse roof is a simple but impactful solution. They’re especially valuable in cities, where creating new habitats can make a world of difference for local ecosystems.

And here’s the best part: they’re incredibly low-maintenance. Once the native plants take root, they pretty much take care of themselves. Just a quick check now and then is all it takes to keep things thriving.

So, are you thinking about adding solar panels? Go for it! As long as you stick with low-growing plants, you can enjoy all the perks of a biosolar roof: clean, renewable solar power plus a thriving rooftop ecosystem. It’s a win-win for you and the planet.

Green roofs vs Solar panels: Can you have both?

Of course, you can! You don’t have to pick between a green roof and solar panels, you can have both.  It’s called a biosolar roof, and it’s basically the dream team for sustainable buildings.

What are green roof PV or biosolar systems?

A biosolar roof isn’t just a green roof with some solar panels slapped on top. It’s a carefully thought-out system that combines the strengths of both technologies. The panels are installed on raised or angled mounts so the plants underneath still get plenty of sunlight. This setup not only keeps your solar power output high but also leaves room for the vegetation to grow.

But there’s more. A biosolar roof has special layers to manage drainage, so water flows smoothly without pooling around your panels or damaging the roof. The result? You get a highly efficient system that reduces your carbon footprint, boosts biodiversity, and even extends the life of your roof.

How can you combine solar panels into a green roof system?

Combining a green roof with solar panels creates a powerful partnership that delivers both environmental impact and energy savings. This setup, known as a biosolar roof, works by integrating solar panels into the structure of a green roof, often an extensive green roof system. Not only does this boost your building’s energy efficiency, but it also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, the green roof supports plant life, enhancing biodiversity and providing natural solutions for urban issues like heat islands and rainwater runoff.

Designing a biosolar roof takes careful planning. The building’s structure must be able to handle the combined weight of both the vegetation and the solar system. The layout should maximise sunlight exposure for the panels while ensuring there’s enough space for maintenance. Many designs use raised or angled mounts, which not only improve solar efficiency but also allow light to reach the plants beneath. These shaded areas are great for moisture retention, keeping the plants hydrated and reducing stress during hot, sunny days.

In fact, research like a 2017 study from the University of Illinois shows that the vegetation on a biosolar roof helps cool the air around the solar panels, maintaining an optimal temperature for energy production. This cooling effect can significantly enhance the panels’ performance since solar panel efficiency tends to drop as temperatures rise.

While the initial investment in a biosolar green roof may be higher than traditional systems, the long-term savings are hard to ignore. Lower energy bills and an increase in property value mean most projects see a return on investment within 5-10 years. With regular inspections and upkeep, both your plants and solar panels will continue performing at their best, making your biosolar roof a sustainable and cost-effective choice for the future.

Conclusion

A green roof with solar panels is a smart, sustainable way to improve urban spaces. It’s a win for both the environment and your wallet, helping you cut down on energy bills while boosting your property value. Plus, it provides much-needed habitats for wildlife, turning your building into a little ecosystem. Whether you choose a lightweight extensive green roof or a more garden-like intensive roof, this system works hard to deliver all the benefits of renewable energy and nature in one.

Sure, the upfront cost might seem like a lot, but the return on investment is well worth it. With regular care and maintenance, your biosolar roof will keep working efficiently for years, helping you save money and make a positive impact on the planet. It’s a long-term solution that’s as practical as it is eco-friendly.

Tough decisions: Green roof or solar panels – What’s right for you?

Combining a green roof with solar panels is a fantastic option. However, if you’re left having to choose between the two, it’s important to weigh what each can offer. Of course, green roofs are great for adding that natural, eco-friendly tough to your property. They look beautiful while supporting wildlife. They don’t however, help you lower your energy bills and they certainly require regular maintenance to stay in good shape.

With solar panels though, you get real, measurable benefits. They’re much easier to maintain, cut your energy costs, and have a faster return on investment. Moreover, solar panels help you reduce your carbon footprint, so you can save money and help the planet all at the same time.

While green roofs are a lovely addition to any home, solar panels are indeed the smarter choice if you’re looking for long-term value, energy savings and a more sustainable future. In the future if you still dream of combining the two, a biosolar green roof is always an option!

Why choose Soly for your solar panel needs?

At Soly, we make solar energy accessible and ensure your photovoltaic system lasts as long as possible, performing at its best. Here’s why we’re the ideal choice for your solar energy journey:

• Affordable financing: We understand that upfront costs can be a barrier to going solar. That’s why we offer convenient financing options, including a £500 deposit plan, where the remaining balance is due only after your system is installed and operational. This makes solar energy more affordable for UK residents. Soly also partners with Ideal4Finance, providing tailored, competitive financing with instant, personalised offers.
• Referral benefits: Soly offers the best referral scheme in the solar market. As a Soly customer, you can earn £300 for each friend you refer who installs a system with Soly—with no limits! This can significantly help reduce your payback period. For example, one of our customers, Martyn, managed to reduce his payback period by nearly a year by referring just three friends.
• High-quality panels: We use only the best solar panels, offering monocrystalline solar panels from Jinko Solar. Known for their efficiency and durability, these monocrystalline solar panels can last for up to 40 years, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
• Trusted reputation: Soly is proud to be highly rated on platforms like TrustPilot and Google and recognized as a certified Which? Trusted Trader. We’ve built a reputation for excellence, earning the trust of countless satisfied customers, with our commitment to quality evident in every installation.
• Accredited installers: We work exclusively with local installers nationwide who are accredited by HIES, TrustMark, and MCS, ensuring that your solar system is installed with the highest industry standards in mind. Proper installation plays a huge role in maximising the lifespan of your solar panels.
• Expertise you can trust: With over 10 years of experience in the solar industry, we know how to deliver the best solar solutions tailored to your needs. Our team of experts will ensure your system is designed to last.
• Peace of mind: We provide up to 25-year guarantees for our solar panels and 15-year guarantees for our solar batteries. This means you can have peace of mind knowing your investment is protected for decades to come.

Reach out to our solar experts today to discover how Soly can help you transition to clean, renewable energy with the best products and financing options.