2012
Brighton, United Kingdom

In 2011, the University of Brighton took the decision to invest in a solar photovoltaics (PV) installation onto the pitched roof of their Cockcroft building—with the intention being to not only reduce their carbon footprint, but also create their own power for long-term sustainability. In 2012, the University installed 132 solar panels onto the existing concrete roof.

Univeristy of Brighton Sarnafil project
Univeristy of Brighton Sarnafil project

Flat Roof Project Requirements

The roof had a felt finish, overlayed with 120mm insulation and a Sika Sarnafil membrane - which meant they couldn’t use concrete counterweights for the fixing of the PV Panels due to their effect on the drainage channels and the potential damage this could cause. The 17 degree pitch of the roof, coastal location and height of the building - therefore reliance on good weather - all combined to mean this was potentially quite an awkward installation.

Sika Single Ply Roofing Solutions

Richard Soan Roofing, used the Sarnafil Solar Panel Support Post to affix the panels to the membrane roof. The Solar Panel Support Post is supplied by Latchways Plc. and secured to the roof using tried and tested fixing solutions derived from the Constant Force post fall protection product range and provides a base to which the PV frame can be attached. For peace-of-mind, Latchways and HCL Safety undertook further test fixings, to confirm the depth of fixing, and tested a single fixing which easily achieved 2.5 kN.

Latchways is a Sika Sarnafil partner, which meant that the Solar Panel Support Post could be covered by the Sika Sarnafil guarantee. Furthermore the Installation has created the largest green power station in Brighton and Hove.

Products Used

Sika Sarnafil Single Ply Membrane