Innovative roof system unveiled

Skydôme, a subsidiary of the Kingspan group, has introduced a new roof system that combines smoke extraction, photovoltaic energy production, and natural lighting. This integrated approach aims to optimize the use of logistics building roofs, which are increasingly important for energy production under new regulations.

New regulations drive solar adoption

France’s APER law requires that by 2027, 50 percent of the roofs of non-residential buildings larger than 500 square meters be solarized. This law, combined with government efforts to boost electrification, is pushing companies to find more efficient ways to incorporate solar panels into their structures.

Efficient design for logistics buildings

Skydôme’s solution replaces traditional smoke extraction lanterns with natural lighting domes that also include a smoke exhaust system. This design reduces the number of separate installations, freeing up space and improving the organization of the roof area, which in turn makes it easier to install photovoltaic panels.

Increased solar capacity

According to the manufacturer, Skydôme’s 3-in-1 system can increase a roof’s solar capacity by up to 40 percent compared to standard smoke extraction systems. This makes it particularly valuable for logistics buildings, where maximizing solar potential is crucial.

First real-world application in Paris

Marq Logistics is the first company to implement Skydôme’s solution at its Saint-Witz park project near Paris. The project includes two buildings with a total area of nearly 48,000 square meters, and the use of Skydôme domes has increased the space available for solar panels by about 20 percent.

Significant energy output

The installed solar power at the site is 6 megawatts, enough to meet the annual electricity needs of 3,000 to 4,000 households. This demonstrates the potential of integrated roof systems to contribute significantly to renewable energy production.