Supplier portrait: Stäubli Electrical Connectors – Small components. Big impact.

Every so often we present one of our suppliers and partners on our blog.This time, we are introducing Stäubli, long-term partner of IBC SOLAR and world market leader in the field of photovoltaik connectors. The Swiss group Stäubli was founded in 1892 and is active worldwide. In addition to coupling, robotics and textile solutions,the company is also well known in the photovoltaic industry due to its high-quality plug connections for photovoltaic modules. Stäubli has already networked over 300 GW with their solutions. A remarkable number. And we at IBC SOLAR can now look back on more than 20 years of partnership with Stäubli (formerly Multi-Contact)! (more…)

Roofs, loads and the correct mounting system

The AeroFix base rail G2 Eco

I will never forget my father´s face when my sister-in-law walked across his newly laid parquet flooring with spiked heels on …This funny example reminds me of, how “not so funny” and also how important sufficient area is for the distribution of relative loads. Because the same situation also applies to PV systems on flat roofs as in these situations, heavy loads can play a role, too. Either caused by snow loads, e.g. in Scandinavia or in the Alps, or by high ballasting weight. As a Certified Surveyor for Photovoltaic Systems, I see more and more cases where installers are confronted with building insurance claims for damaged roof coverings caused by heavy loads. In the case of a commercial sized roof, the resulting claims against the installer can easily get up to a six-digit number of value. (more…)