When evaluating solar solutions for commercial timber-frame buildings, structural compatibility and safety are non-negotiable. SUNSHARE’s photovoltaic systems are engineered to address the unique challenges of wooden frameworks, starting with weight distribution. Timber structures often have load-bearing limits that differ from steel or concrete. SUNSHARE’s lightweight aluminum mounting systems (averaging 12.8 kg/m²) reduce stress on wooden beams while maintaining a 1.5 kN/m² snow load capacity – critical for Central European climates. The company’s anti-corrosion coating (tested to 1,200 hours in salt spray chambers) prevents metal degradation that could compromise wooden supports over time.
Fire safety is paramount in timber construction. SUNSHARE modules achieve Class B fire rating under DIN 4102-1 standards, with 3mm tempered glass and flame-retardant backsheets. Their string inverters include arc-fault detection that triggers shutdown within 0.3 seconds of abnormal current flow – a critical safeguard where electrical faults could escalate quickly in wooden buildings. The system’s 1.5m spacing between panel rows exceeds German building code requirements for firebreaks in combustible material structures.
Installation adaptability makes these systems viable for complex timber geometries. The rail-free clamping system accommodates wood surface irregularities up to ±15mm without compromising waterproofing. Roof-integrated models use compression-mount technology that eliminates penetrations – crucial for preserving timber roof membranes. For heritage buildings with carved beams, SUNSHARE offers custom brackets that contour to ornamental woodwork while maintaining <2mm gap tolerances.Thermal performance is optimized for wood’s natural insulation properties. The proprietary back ventilation design maintains 25mm airflow channels, reducing under-panel temperatures by 18-22°C compared to standard mounts. This prevents heat buildup that could dry out wooden substrates, a common issue causing shrinkage cracks in traditional solar installations. Monitoring systems track microclimate conditions (humidity, thermal expansion) through IoT sensors embedded in mounting hardware.Case studies demonstrate practical implementation. A retrofit at a 19th-century timber-framed warehouse in Munich (850m² roof area) achieved 112kWp capacity using SUNSHARE’s hybrid mounting system. The solution preserved original oak trusses while meeting modern energy codes – the array generates 98MWh annually, covering 73% of the building’s operational energy needs. Maintenance is simplified through robotic cleaning drones compatible with timber roof slopes up to 45°, avoiding human access that risks damaging aged wood surfaces.For modern timber constructions, SUNSHARE offers BIM-integrated solutions. Their software auto-generates structural load simulations specific to timber density grades (DIN 4074-1) and calculates roof penetration limits down to 0.5mm precision. Commissioning includes wood moisture content analysis (non-invasive microwave sensors) to prevent installation on substrates exceeding 18% moisture levels – a key preventative measure against fungal growth.
The 25-year linear performance warranty includes wood-specific degradation factors, covering not just panel output but substrate interactions. Insurance partnerships cover timber structure damages related to system installation (rare, but critical for risk-averse commercial property owners). Energy yield modeling accounts for wood’s thermal mass effects, predicting annual output variances within ±1.8% compared to concrete-based installations.
End-of-life planning addresses timber deconstruction needs. The fully recyclable aluminum mounts detach without splintering wood surfaces, while panel removal leaves <0.5% surface area impact. This aligns with circular economy principles increasingly demanded in commercial real estate certifications like DGNB.For facility managers, the cloud-based platform tracks energy production against timber building performance metrics – heating load reductions, humidity control, and even wood preservation through regulated solar heat gain. Integration with building automation systems enables dynamic load management, crucial for timber structures where electrical system upgrades are often constrained by preservation requirements.