ClearVue to hit commercial carpark market with solar roof tech

Perth-based ClearVue Technologies has expanded its ClearVue-Helios building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solutions to include modular solar carpark roofs, effectively turning covered commercial parking lots into renewable energy hubs.

The company says its lightweight, metal-backed panels weigh as little as 5kg per square metre, can generate up to 220 Watts per square metre and are a power generating replacement for traditional carpark roofs.

ClearVue Technologies’ Helios light-weight, modular solar carpark roofing.

They comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission standards IEC 61730 that ensure PV module safety and IEC 61215 that verify design and performance reliability, while conformity under UL Solutions standard UL790 confirms fire resistance for BIPV products.

The panels are waterproof, hail-resistant, fire-resistant and feature no exposed junction boxes or direct current (DC) cables.

‘This is a product that goes directly to our mission to turn solar into a construction material’

The modular, prefabricated steel structures enable rapid installation too - up to 70% faster than traditional methods according to ClearVue - minimising disruption around the work area and site access.

ClearVue Technologies’ managing director and CEO Douglas Hunt said: “Since the metal-backed solar product from ClearVue becomes the roof of the structure, it is incredibly lightweight, cost-efficient and boasts low embedded carbon. At the same time, it allows for a very modern, attractive architectural design and the modular system makes for fast installation. Our solar carports turn everyday parking lots into fully functional renewable energy hubs with high-capacity solar generation and payback periods of less than four years.”

ClearVue’s solar carparks deliver a compelling financial case too, with payback periods under four years before subsidies, making them a cost-competitive alternative to standard carports.

The inherent low embedded carbon footprint and lightweight design reduce structural requirements, enhancing sustainability for urban and commercial spaces according to company Management.

The total installed system can be set up to supply power for electric vehicle (EV) charging, provide lighting for safety and security and contributes to overall ESG objectives, thereby transforming typically under-utilised vehicle parking infrastructure into valuable multi-functional power generating assets.

ClearVue’s latest innovation in the area extend the company’s mission to integrate solar technology into all manner of building materials that blend operational carbon offsets while preserving and even enhancing aesthetics and modernising what is an often under-utilised and uninspiring space.

Even while not being used as a carpark, the large undercover areas can now be more efficiently used for temporary sun- and rain-protected outdoor events such as product displays, weekend outdoor markets or occasional entertainment areas.

ClearVue just might be onto something with its latest innovation. It would appear to have a more attractive product that standard steel roofing and its next challenge is to make it financially attractive.

If its 4 year payback stacks up and the product goes on generating power for years after that, it just might manage to muscle into the building products market with a product that is very hard to say no to.

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