The company, which had already covered the roof of the structure in 2017 with its PVC roofing membrane, has now made the roof suitable to support the installation of 1,452 solar panels Thanks to RENOLIT ALKORPLAN’s intervention, the SnowWorld Antwerp ski slope is now powered by solar energy.
RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products have participated in the sustainable transformation of SnowWorld Antwerp ski slope in Wilrijk, Belgium. The roof of the massive building was made completely waterproof a few years ago with RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Classic roofing membrane. The ultra-light RENOLIT ALKORPLAN F Solar system has now been used to install the numerous solar panels.
The project demonstrates how the company realises its commitment towards sustainability by allowing its customers to transform existing structures into renewable energy generators, in line with its sustainability strategy of “Protect what matters”.
The Sustainable Transformation of SnowWorld Antwerp ski slope
RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products had carried out an initial intervention on the building in 2017, installing on the roof its 1,2 mm thick PVC membrane.
Given the size of the facility that houses SnowWorld Antwerp ski slope (total area of 12,500 m²), the owner decided to rent the roof space to Energy Vision. The project entailed that Energy Vision would be in charge of the investment for photovoltaic panels itself and would let the owner enjoy the energy produced for self-consumption.
However, to install the Solar profiles on the roof of the structure (40m high and subject to wind load) a 1.5mm thick membrane was required. As the roofing membrane was still in perfect condition, it was decided to overlay only the roof section where solar panels were to be fitted. An easy task, as the newRENOLIT ALKORPLAN PVC membrane can be welded onto an existing one without problems even after many years, as this project has demonstrated.
Efficiency and resilience for a greener future
Depending on the wind load on the high ski slope, the roof was divided into different wind load zones. The central zone had 1.05 m wide lanes. For the corner and edge zones, 0.53 m wide roofing membranes were used.
The Solar profiles, which are always positioned right next to the weld seam, are therefore closer together. This offers greater safety in the event of storms and strong gusts of wind. Thanks to RENOLIT ALKORPLAN’s intervention, the roof now hosts 1,452 solar panels.
RENOLIT ALKORPLAN is constantly searching for new and unique technologies to develop innovative and sustainable membranes, with the goal of greater sustainability, lower resource use and the promotion of a circular economy.