A new study shows we can maximise the benefits of green roofs and rooftop solar systems by putting them together on the one roof.

Our research compared a “Biosolar” green roof - one that combines a solar system with a green roof - and a comparable conventional roof with an equivalent solar system.

These results show we don’t have to choose between a green roof or a solar roof: we can combine the two and reap double the rewards.

The biosolar green roof and conventional roof had the same area, about 1860 square metres, with roughly a third covered by solar panels.

The green roof reduced surface temperatures by up to 9.63℃ for the solar panels and 6.93℃ for the roof surfaces.