Electricity from the roof, but make it beautiful

How the ERLUS Energy Roof becomes part of an aesthetically pleasing roof surface

Neufahrn. The energy transition, mandatory PV installation in many German states, funding programmes and high electricity prices: photovoltaic systems have by now become an integral part of every new residential building. The question is no longer whether, but how. Rooftop PV systems still dominate, but when it comes to high-quality residential construction, one question remains: How can the visual impact of the architecture be preserved despite the installation of photovoltaics? This is where integrated PV systems such as the ERLUS Energy Roof come into play.

Integrated PV systems are still a niche market with a strong focus on design. Those who opt for an integrated system can do without an additional mounting system, as the photovoltaic system is integrated directly into the roof covering. At the same time, the appearance and aesthetics of the roof tiles are preserved.

A PV module designed from the perspective of the roof tile

But how can PV be integrated into the roof while providing the same level of protection as a clay roof tile? By integrating the system into the logic of the roof tiles. That is why ERLUS designed the Energy Roof from the perspective of the roof tile. And this is precisely what is new about its development. “Four years of research and development have gone into this project. We have now created a high-quality roof tile replacement module that provides the same level of protection as a roof tile,” explains Dr. Tobias Wähler from the Research and Development department.

Module with interlocking system like the ERLUS Level RS

The PV module features the same triple head and side interlocking system as the clay roof tile. A high-quality aluminium rail forms the visible lower edge of the module and integrates seamlessly into the angular, smooth appearance of the roof surface of the Level RS model. The extremely high, certified resistance to driving rain and hail resistance class 4 are also on a par with the Level RS. This clearly highlights the difference between conventional integrated PV systems with simple connection frame solutions and the genuine roof tile replacement module that is the ERLUS Energy Roof.

PV as part of the building envelope

A module that generates electricity while providing the same protection as a roof tile is still the exception. The ERLUS Energy Roof eliminates the conventional separation between roof covering and energy system. The modules are not mounted on top of the roof but form part of the roof covering itself. This creates a continuous roof surface while preserving the aesthetics of the Level RS flat roof tile.

Easy to install

With a module weight of just 10 kg, ERLUS’s component is significantly lighter than many integrated PV solutions on the market. The low weight makes handling easier and reduces the load on the roof structure. At the same time, one module replaces 6.5 roof tiles, meaning the installation remains distributed across the roof surface rather than being concentrated at individual points. This saves costs twice over: on materials and labour. In addition, with a low surface weight of only approx. 17.4 kg/m², the ERLUS Energy Roof is also well suited to renovation projects involving older and less load-bearing roof structures.

You can find the press release for download, including image material, here. (Only available in German)