Green roofs make a positive contribution to the fight against climate change because they increase biodiversity, improve the microclimate, and insulate the building. Many people are unaware that these positive effects can be further enhanced when combined with a solar power system. This is because the plants cool and clean the photovoltaic (PV) modules, thereby increasing the system’s efficiency. 

Owners of historic buildings often have concerns about the possibility of installing photovoltaic systems on their roofs. However, there have recently been some changes in this area, and even the “German Foundation for Monument Protection” does not view historic preservation as conflicting with climate protection, since the installation of PV systems is often possible—provided the original building structure is protected and the installation is reversible. The presentation will address these two topics in detail and provide answers to the most pressing questions.

In Part 8 of the independent and comprehensive online information session on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., a detailed overview will be provided on the topic of installing a PV system in combination with a green roof or historic preservation. 

The first part of the presentation covers the technical fundamentals of green roofs, the synergistic effects of a solar green roof, recommendations for project implementation, and funding opportunities. The second part will address the legal framework for installing a PV system on historic buildings, followed by a presentation of the technical options, which range from conventional rooftop systems to in-roof systems with colored solar modules or solar roof tiles. 

Finally, this session will also provide a guide for successful project implementation and highlight funding opportunities. This practical presentation is supplemented by case studies and offers the opportunity to ask questions directly to the experts, so that you can then take the next steps toward installing your own rooftop PV system—either in combination with a green roof or on your historic building.

The event is part of the “Solar and Heat” online seminar series. 

“In times of increasingly hot summers, the synergies between solar systems and green roofs highlight how important it is to consider climate protection and climate adaptation together. Preserving historic buildings through historic preservation is important, yet there are now several ways to install solar systems even in the vicinity of historic buildings,” says Janina Steinkrüger, Mainz’s Director of Environmental Affairs, looking forward to the eighth event in the “Solar” online seminar series.

The information series is organized by climate protection managers in collaboration with adult education centers and the consumer advice center in the Rheinhessen-Nahe and Vorderpfalz regions. For more information on registration and the solar initiative of the state capital of Mainz, visit: www.mainz.de/solarinitiative