Solar Full Roof™ and Solar Tiled Roof™ systems are classified as panel-type roofing materials. As with any conventional roofing solution, whether roof tiles, metal sheets, or solar panels, environmental factors such as wind-driven rain, snowmelt, or condensation can occasionally lead to water ingress beneath the outer roofing layer. This is a normal occurrence in ventilated roof constructions. Therefore, it is critical that all excess water is effectively diverted by a properly installed underlayment membrane. This secondary waterproofing layer safeguards the structural roof deck and the building’s core construction from moisture-related damage, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.
Why We Conducted a Water Penetration Resistance Test
Earlier this month, our Solar Full Roof™ solution was put to the test in one of the most rigorous and realistic environments available, an independent water penetration resistance test conducted at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway. This was part of a master's thesis study focused on evaluating the water tightness of BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) roofing systems.
The test was designed and executed in collaboration with SINTEF, one of Europe’s leading independent research organizations, well known for its work on BIPV regulations, leakage analysis, and solar acceptance in the built environment. We were invited to participate alongside two other BIPV manufacturers (one Norwegian, one British), providing a comparative view of current market solutions.
Testing Conditions
The evaluation was carried out in NTNU’s state-of-the-art “rawi-box” testing facility, a large steel chamber capable of simulating extreme Scandinavian weather scenarios. Two main test phases were performed:
Gentle Rain Simulation
The system was tested with the roof mounted vertically (90° angle) under 0 Pa pressure, mimicking a direct rainfall scenario without wind assistance.
Storm Simulation with Wind-Driven Rain
Pressure levels increased up to 800 Pa with the roof tilted downward by 6°, simulating hurricane-level wind and driving rain conditions. (Note: The rawi-box’s maximum is ~1,100 Pa, but structural safety limits testing to 800 Pa.)
These tests are calibrated against real-world weather events, ranging from moderate storms to near-tornado conditions, using pressure-reference tables provided by the laboratory.
Outstanding Results
The outcome? Solarstone building integrated solar roof solution not only passed all water penetration resistance tests, it outperformed the other participants significantly, often delivering twice the resilience against water intrusion under harsh conditions.
These results affirm that our in-house testing standards as well as continuous development are not just for show. They translate directly into real-world durability and performance.
What This Means for You
Peace of Mind
You're choosing a roof engineered to withstand even the most extreme Northern European weather conditions, proven by independent testing.
Validation of Our R&D
This test confirms that our commitment to in-house quality assurance and rigorous product development results in a BIPV system ready for the real world.
A Smart Roofing Decision
Compared to conventional BAPV systems or traditional non-solar roofing, Solar Full Roof offers not only reliable water management but also energy production, without compromise.
We’re proud of these results and look forward to integrating NTNU’s third-party insights into future product versions. At Solarstone, innovation doesn’t stop at compliance, it drives us to raise the standard for integrated solar roofing across the industry.
