Premium Mounting Technologies (PMT) and PURUS PLASTICS, both based in Upper Franconia, are combining their expertise in the growing market for solar green roofs. Together, the companies offer an integrated solution that combines PURUS PLASTICS’ ECOgreen® modular green roof system with the PMT EVO GREEN mounting system, which was developed specifically for green roofs. The result is a cost-effective, sustainable, and easy-to-install solution for modern rooftops.

Solar green roofs are gaining in importance

The market for solar green roofs is growing rapidly. In many cities and states, green roofs are already required or specifically subsidized for new construction and major roof renovations. At the same time, the demand for locally generated solar power is increasing.

The combination of solar power and green roofs therefore offers great potential for sustainable urban development: Green roofs improve the microclimate, reduce the heating of buildings and cities, create habitats for plants and insects, and contribute to rainwater retention. Solar power systems also benefit from the natural cooling effect of the greenery, which can lead to higher electricity yields.

Two systems, one integrated solution

The direct combination of ECOgreen® and PMT EVO GREEN creates a particularly efficient overall solution. The pre-planted ECOgreen® system already provides the necessary load for the photovoltaic system. This eliminates the need for additional ballast stones.

This reduces material usage, minimizes transportation costs, and speeds up installation on the construction site. At the same time, it creates a secure integrated system that meets the requirements for modern solar green roofs and offers planners, investors, operators, and contractors greater confidence in the implementation process.

“Through this form of collaboration, we are combining our expertise and opening up new opportunities for each other in the growing solar green roof market,” says Richard Metzler, CEO of PURUS PLASTICS.

ECOgreen®: Green roof system with integrated ballast

PURUS PLASTICS has been developing solutions for blue-green infrastructure for over 30 years. With ECOgreen®, the company offers a modular green roof system that combines vegetation and the required dead load in a single solution.

The system consists of a securely interlocked modular grid of base plates into which sedum boxes are inserted. The elements are delivered to the construction site already planted with vegetation. This eliminates the need for the usual on-site establishment period, and the roof surface achieves its full functionality and appearance immediately after installation.

A particular advantage lies in the system’s dual function: The greenery simultaneously provides the dead weight required for the photovoltaic system. This eliminates the need for additional ballast stones.

The plastic building blocks of the ECOgreen® system are made from packaging and film waste collected in the "Yellow Bag" and are fully recyclable even after decades of use.

PMT EVO GREEN: Mounting solution for modern green solar roofs

PMT has been developing and manufacturing high-quality photovoltaic mounting systems in Germany since 2012. With " PMT EVO GREEN ," the company offers a mounting solution specifically designed for green roofs that optimally combines solar energy with green roofing.

The system is based on the proven PMT EVO technology and allows for flexible planning to meet a variety of roofing requirements. Depending on the green roof design, various system heights are available. This creates optimal conditions for plant growth, ventilation, maintenance, and the reliable operation of the photovoltaic system.

PMT EVO GREEN It also takes into account the requirements of modern solar green roofs, including row spacing and clearances between vegetation and modules. The innovative click technology enables quick and secure installation on the construction site.

An additional advantage: " PMT EVO GREEN " is based on a substructure tested by the German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt) that has received general building authority approval (abZ), thereby providing additional planning certainty for all project participants.

“The future of urban rooftop spaces lies in the smart combination of solar energy and greening. Together with PURUS, we have created a solution that combines the strengths of both systems and enables our customers to use their rooftops in a cost-effective and sustainable way. In particular, the combination of pre-vegetated delivery, integrated ballast, and the direct connection to our substructure offers significant advantages in planning, installation, and operation,” says Felix Bräuer, CEO of PMT – Premium Mounting Technologies.

Sustainable Roofs for the City of Tomorrow

Green roofs combine environmental and economic benefits. They improve the microclimate, create valuable habitat, support rainwater retention, and can often be counted toward compensation areas. At the same time, they help actively utilize previously unused roof space for energy generation and climate protection.

Together, PURUS PLASTICS and PMT are laying the groundwork for the next generation of sustainable rooftops. The combination of green roofs and photovoltaics brings together climate adaptation, biodiversity, and renewable energy generation into a forward-looking, integrated system.

At PMT, we are committed to quality that you can see and measure. That is why we are particularly pleased that our PMT EVO GREEN green roof system has received general building approval (abZ) from the German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt) for the entire system.

Benefits for our partners and customers
The certification confirms that the system has been tested as a complete design. This means:

• Tested safety: The PMT EVO GREEN has been comprehensively tested as a complete system and meets all relevant requirements.
• Highest quality standards: Allcomponents are designed to work together and meet the strict approval criteria of the DIBt.
• Confidence in the entire system: TheabZ applies to the entire PMT EVO GREEN —an advantage that gives you added peace of mind and greater flexibility in planning your projects.

About PMT EVO GREEN
PMT EVO GREEN on the proven EVO system and has been specifically developed for green roof applications. The system is available in various heights, allowing it to be flexibly adapted to different ballast requirements and green roof configurations. Maintenance schedules can be customized, which significantly simplifies care and maintenance work.

Do you have questions about PMT EVO GREEN would you like to take advantage of the abZ for your next project?

We’re always happy to help.

Photovoltaic systems are exposed to wind and weather every day. Winter is particularly demanding on the material, as heavy snow loads increase the pressure on panels, substructures, and roofs. How can you prevent damage?

Our photovoltaic systems must be well equipped for snowy winter days. Whether on the roof or in open spaces, precipitation lands on the modules. Snow is particularly challenging. The beautiful white stuff that brings us so much joy in winter can be quite heavy when it settles on solar panels.

Although statistically speaking, the number of days with snowfall is decreasing in our region, winters like that of 2010 show that snow loads are important factors in the planning of sustainable systems. By snow load, we mean the effect of snow on a building or structure.

Why are snow loads so dangerous for photovoltaic systems?

Heavy snow masses exert enormous pressure on the modules, the mountings, and the roof. On sloping roofs, icy snow slabs and roof avalanches can pose a danger to people, animals, and equipment located around the building. Especially on flat roofs, where snow cannot slide off, it poses a risk to the roof strength and stability of the building. One cubic meter of fresh snow can weigh between 30 and 50 kg. If the snow is already compacted or even wet, 300 kg per cubic meter is not unusual. If layers of snow have already turned into ice sheets, even an apparently small blanket of snow can develop enormous weight. The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance explains how homeowners can protect their roofs and buildings from snow loads.

Snow loads pressing down on a photovoltaic system can cause mechanical damage. Snow loads can cause microcracks in glass-foil modules, which impair both the performance and service life of the modules. In view of current market developments and the increasing use of glass-glass modules, special requirements are placed on the substructure due to their higher dead weight and lower load-bearing capacity. High-quality, structurally optimized installation is crucial to reduce mechanical stress, prevent module breakage, and ensure long-term system safety.

The particular challenges in snowy regions

Heavy snowfall is not uncommon, especially in southern Germany and the Alpine regions. The additional weight that can be placed on a system in winter must be included in the calculation of the total roof load. Modules and substructures designed for high snow loads should be used here in order to prevent damage. If this is not taken into account when planning a system, the resulting pressure can, in the worst case, cause the roof to collapse.

PMT – Your partner for safe and durable photovoltaic systems
As specialists in mounting systems, we offer tailor-made solutions for every roof shape – with a particular focus on potential snow loads and the load-bearing capacity of the modules used. Our PMT X118 andPMT EVO GREEN substructuresPMT EVO GREEN designed for all wind and snow load zones found in Europe.

In thePMT EVO GREEN system, the new cross-brace connection, which can also be used flexibly in the upper position,PMT EVO GREEN increased load-bearing capacity of the modules. In the PMT X118 system, the load is optimally transferred to the module by the central clamping, which also significantly increases its load-bearing capacity.

The high quality and reliability of our components is confirmed by the general building approval of our systems. In addition, we underline our quality promise to our customers with a 15-year warranty.