Existing green roof expanded with vertical solar panels

247 vertical solar panels were added to the existing green roof of the municipal recycling centre in the Dutch city of Oldenzaal. The roof has evolved into a multifunctional system where biodiversity, water management and renewable energy generation come together.

Lightweight solar solution

247 vertical solar panels installed without major roof modifications.

Green and solar combined

The green roof and solar panels work together on a single rooftop.

Future-proof municipal roof

A smart example of sustainable and climate-adaptive construction.

Existing green roof smartly expanded

Sustainability plays a central role at the combined municipal services building, recycling centre and second-hand store called ‘De Beurs’ in Oldenzaal. The building already featured a green roof, but there was a growing ambition to add solar energy generation as well. Despite the slight roof pitch of 5.7 degrees, this proved entirely feasible. Together with Over Easy Solar and installer SamenStromen, 247 vertical solar panels were installed with a total capacity of 63.2 kWp. The result is a multifunctional roof where greening and energy generation reinforce one another.

With a single rooftop, we now combine greening and energy generation.

A roof with multiple functions

Buildings are increasingly taking on an active role in climate adaptation and the energy transition. This project demonstrates how existing green roofs can be further developed into multifunctional systems. The roof not only contributes to biodiversity and water retention, but now also generates renewable energy.

Green and solar with minimal impact on the existing roof

One of the key challenges was adding solar panels without major structural interventions. Thanks to the lightweight system by Over Easy Solar, the vertical solar panels could be placed directly onto the existing green roof without mechanical fixings or heavy ballast. This preserved the vegetation while maintaining the roof’s water retention capacity.

Vertical solar panels on a green roof

The vertical configuration ensures sufficient daylight and space remains available for the plants beneath the panels. At the same time, the system benefits from the cooling effect of the green roof, which can contribute to stable solar panel performance. The result is a roof where greenery and energy generation strengthen each other.

Making sustainable infrastructure visible

The recycling facility building in Oldenzaal demonstrates how public buildings can become visible examples of sustainable infrastructure. Instead of leaving rooftop space unused, the combination of a green roof and solar panels creates an active system that generates energy, buffers rainwater and contributes to a greener living environment.

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