Designing Biodiversity Into Flat Solar Systems
A developed solution for biodiversity challenges integrated into Sunbeam products
B.Y. Dessens (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
R. Bessai – Mentor (TU Delft - Design for Sustainability)
B. Sprecher – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Design for Sustainability)
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Abstract
As rooftop solar deployment keeps accelerating in the Netherlands, a new question arises: Can these functional rooftop surfaces also contribute to restoring and supporting local biodiversity, especially in a context of persistent agricultural pollution, and increasingly limited available space? This thesis explores how the solar mounting systems of Sunbeam, a Dutch solar mounting system manufacturer based in Amersfoort, can play a role in this dual-purpose challenge.
The report begins with a breakdown of market opportunities for biodiversity integration within Sunbeam’s product range (Section A). This is followed by a deeper exploration of relevant biodiversity needs and species groups (Section B), identifying where ecological priorities align with rooftop types and technical realities. By combining these insights, the research narrows down a landscape of possibilities to identify the most viable, feasible, and desirable opportunities for intervention.
Through various design methods, prototyping and expert consulting, this thesis builds and evaluates conceptual directions for biodiversity-supportive solar infrastructure. The outcomes demonstrate the potential of rooftops as both energy producers and ecological stepping stones when product context, ecological function, and user needs are effectively combined into a mutualistic bond.
Results are presented in Section E, presenting the final product within its potential habitats. This section demonstrates how modular adaptability enables successful deployment across diverse environments, achieving targeted biodiversity enhancements while accounting for site-specific constraints and opportunities.