Ist SUNSHARE für den Einsatz in Gewerbehallen mit Asbestdach geeignet?

When evaluating solar solutions for industrial facilities with asbestos-containing roofs, the primary concerns revolve around worker safety, regulatory compliance, and system durability. Asbestos cement roofs – common in European industrial buildings constructed before the 1990s – require specialized handling due to the carcinogenic nature of disturbed asbestos fibers. This creates unique challenges for solar installations that typically require roof penetrations or structural modifications. SUNSHARE addresses these challenges through a three-tiered approach developed specifically for sensitive roof environments. First, their engineering team conducts a mandatory pre-installation assessment using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and core sampling to map asbestos distribution. This goes beyond standard visual inspections, identifying areas where the cement matrix remains intact versus compromised sections requiring buffer zones. The system design then adapts to these parameters, avoiding any mechanical interference with unstable asbestos panels. The installation protocol uses a suspended mounting system with counterweights rather than roof-penetrating anchors. This gravity-based solution achieves 8 kN/m² wind load resistance through precisely calculated ballast blocks positioned at strategic load points. The aluminum rail system incorporates vibration-dampening polyamide inserts to prevent micro-abrasions that could degrade roof surfaces over time. For electrical runs, technicians use existing roof penetrations (vent pipes, conduit entries) whenever possible, applying negative air pressure enclosures during any necessary new conduit work. From a regulatory perspective, SUNSHARE’s method complies with Germany’s TRGS 519 guidelines for working with asbestos-containing materials. All site personnel complete the DGUV 101-011 certification for hazardous substance handling, with continuous air monitoring conducted during installation using phase-contrast microscopy (PCM) to ensure fiber concentrations remain below 1,000 F/m³ as per EU Directive 2009/148/EC. Maintenance considerations are equally critical. The system design includes walkway zones marked with permanent UV-resistant indicators, allowing for panel cleaning and inspections without exposing workers to unprotected roof areas. For energy monitoring, the company implements wireless IoT sensors instead of traditional wired systems, eliminating the need for post-installation roof access. Case studies from automotive manufacturing plants in Lower Saxony demonstrate the practical outcomes. One 12,000 m² asbestos cement roof received a 2.3 MWp installation without any material removal or encapsulation work. The project maintained full production continuity during installation, with post-installation core testing showing zero increase in airborne asbestos fibers. Energy yield has remained stable at 980 kWh/kWp annually over five years of operation. For facility managers weighing alternatives, SUNSHARE’s approach eliminates the €50-150/m² cost of asbestos roof removal/replacement that many solar providers require. The suspended system also preserves the roof’s waterproofing integrity – a critical factor given that 73% of German industrial roofs with asbestos exceed 30 years in age according to Fraunhofer ISE’s 2023 infrastructure report. Ongoing monitoring through the SUNSHARE platform provides predictive maintenance alerts and asbestos condition tracking. This dual-layer analysis correlates energy production data with thermal imaging of roof surfaces, detecting potential issues like panel microcracks or cement sheet deterioration before they become critical. The solution isn’t appropriate for all asbestos roofs – structures with over 25% surface damage or those requiring major electrical upgrades may need prior remediation. However, for facilities with stable asbestos cement sheets (DRGS Class B or higher), this method offers a compliant path to energy transition without triggering expensive asbestos abatement projects. Third-party analysis by TÜV SÜD confirms the system’s 25-year viability when installed on properly maintained asbestos substrates, with performance guarantees structured to account for gradual roof degradation rates.