Sustainability at high altitudes
The Dutch housing association Jutphaas was looking to increase the sustainability of several residential apartment towers in Nieuwegein, the Netherlands, and to expand the existing BIPV installation with an additional rooftop solar system.
For the implementation, Jutphaas called upon their regular contractor Van Dillen Bouw. 
Since the installation of a solar power system at 43 meters (82 ft) is a complex task due to high wind speeds and the subsequent problems in terms of ballast calculations, Van Dillen Bouw came into contact with IBC SOLAR to help them solve this challenging request.
The solution where others stop
Most mounting structures in fact stop with providing a guaranteed ballast plan and a warranty for the system at around 25 meters (82 ft) in height and therefore an alternative had to be sought. IBC SOLAR with its in-house aerodynamic mounting system AeroFix G3 is different in this regard, and was therefore able to offer a solution where other mounting systems stop.
AeroFix G3 distinguishes itself by:
- The use of high-quality materials such as stainless steel and aluminum, which ensures that the product is very sturdy and does not rust.
- The system based on line loading (rubber mats are incorporated) instead of point loading. This allows the ballast to be more evenly distributed over the roof surface, thereby placing much less stress on the roofing.
- Tilt joints which allow panels to move with the roof undulations, reducing mechanical stress and the risk of micro-cracks.
All these factors and more combine to make AeroFix a perfect mounting system for complex roofs like the residential towers of Jutphaas at 43 meters (140ft) high.
The perfect partner
IBC SOLAR had contacted Premium Partner Zonzo from Hem, North Holland, a highly skilled partner that has been working closely with IBC SOLAR for over 15 years. Zonzo has also been an established name for more than 15 years and has extensive experience in realizing large and complex projects, making them an ideal match for the implementation of this project.
IBC SOLAR and Zonzo got to work together and after consulting with IBC SOLAR’s engineering team, a layout plan with IBC SOLAR AeroFix G3 and a guaranteed ballast plan with a 15-year warranty could be built.
The project
Subsequently, four residential towers were realized in compliance with SCIOS Scope 12 examination, a Dutch standard and examination for large PV systems. 
Each tower has been equipped with 96 IBC MonoSol 430 ES10-HC-N glass-glass BiFacial solar panels with a peak power of 430wp. The system which produces a total of 41 kWp of solar power is connected to an SMA Sunny Tripower X 15 and SMA Sunny Tripower 10.0 Smart Energy and is therefore immediately “battery-ready” for when Jutphaas wants to become even more sustainable in the future after net metering is phased out. An SMA Sunny Home Manager 2.0 has already been added in the meter box and will collect insights about the towers’ consumption and the system’s yields in the coming period.
System details
Height towers: 43 meters/140 feet
- Yield per tower: 41 kWp
- Orientation: East-West
- Inverters: SMA STP X15 & SMA STP 10.0 SE
- Mounting structure: IBC SOLAR AeroFix G3
- Solar panels: IBC MonoSol 430 ES10-HC-N glas-glas BiFacial 430wp
- Warranty: 15 years
Proud of the result
“The AeroFix mounting structure took some getting used to at first, but after the first tower it went automatically” says Frits Boon, project manager at Zonzo.“
“This project at high elevation was quite a challenge, but together with the expertise of IBC SOLAR, we were able to make these four residential towers more sustainable. Together we were able to deliver a unique achievement as well as craftsmanship here and I am proud of our installers. We look forward to the future SCOPE-12 quality examination with great confidence!” adds Nick Vriend, operational manager at Zonzo.
Due to the use of the IBC SOLAR AeroFix G3 mounting structure, the project could finally be realized so that Jutphaas can now enjoy four residential towers with a roof-mounted PV installation. Also, after completion in percentage, Jutphaas is the second-most sustainable housing association in the Netherlands, a remarkable milestone.