FAQ

We know that switching to solar energy often raises many questions.

These frequently asked questions provide essential information to help you better understand how photovoltaic panels work, how they are installed, and their profitability.

1. Is the efficiency of a lightweight photovoltaic panel lower than that of a conventional panel?

HELIUP’s STYKON® panel incorporates crystalline silicon cells. It currently has an efficiency rating of 19%.

2. Is the installation of lightweight photovoltaic panels insurable?

The Soprasolar Flex process, combining a roofing complex with HELIUP’s lightweight STYKON® panel, is the subject of a case A ATex issued by the CSTB PV expert group
⇒ Discover the insurable Soprasolar Flex process incorporating lightweight STYKON panels here.

3. Is a lightweight photovoltaic panel fragile?

Thanks to its CEA-patented design, the STYKON® panel offers exceptional resistance to fire, aging, and mechanical impact.
⇒ Discover STYKON®, a lightweight and durable photovoltaic panel

4. Is an ATex of case A inferior to an ATec?

No: ATEX is a technical assessment carried out by a group of experts on an innovative solution. It has a high insurance value, comparable to that of ATEC, and is a reference document recognised by construction insurers.
⇒ Discover the brochure ‘Insurance & Photovoltaics’ from the FFB – French Building Federation

5. Does a lightweight photovoltaic panel become less efficient over time?

Thanks to its optimised design, the STYKON® panel offers a performance guarantee of over 89.4% after 25 years.

6. Does the Soprasolar Flex solution have to be installed on Class C insulation?

The Soprasolar Flex process incorporating the STYKON® panel is not only covered by ATEx cases A + BRoofT3, but also by ETN Alpes Contrôles, paving the way for existing roofs with class B insulation to be retained.

7. The lightweight panels rest horizontally on the roof. Is there a risk of rainwater stagnating?

No: As part of our technical assessments, a minimum roof slope of 3% is required and sufficient for natural water drainage with the lightweight, frameless STYKON® panel. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the waterproofing contractor to check that the existing roof is suitable for the new Soprasolar Flex system. In addition, a 2 cm gap between modules is provided to ensure rainwater drainage between the modules. Finally, the STYKON® module is made of materials that are completely moisture-proof and its design complies with industry standards.

8. Is a lightweight panel made in France cost-effective?

The installation of framed modules on existing buildings can sometimes generate considerable reinforcement costs and operating losses. The installation of lightweight STYKON® modules avoids these costs and provides a more cost-effective, insurable solar solution that is made in France and involves work that is 100% invisible to the building operator.

9. Is a lightweight panel necessarily ‘made in Asia’?

No: Heliup is a French company with a 4,000 m² factory located in Isère, on the SLS Actiparc Sillon Alpin site. While some components are sourced internationally, the assembly of cells and modules is carried out entirely on the HELIUP production line in France.
⇒ Watch the video of the inauguration of the STYKON® lightweight panel production line.

10. Does the fact that the lightweight panels rest horizontally on the roof increase dust accumulation?

STYKON® panels feature an anti-soiling coating and are based on a frameless panel design, which minimises dust accumulation and has a positive impact of more than 7% on energy yield compared to a power station with conventional framed panels.

11. Do lightweight panels have the same certification levels as standard panels?

Yes: STYKON® panels meet the same requirements as framed modules, in accordance with IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 standards. Compliant with IEC 61701 class 5, they are also suitable for installation less than 2 km from salt water, with the exception of the seafront. The entire HELIUP module supply chain is traced and verified by the ECS PPE2 V2 certificate, and the HELIUP factory is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified.
⇒ Discover the certifications of the lightweight STYKON® panel