Blog Series: Our IBC AeroFix in a long-term test_part 1

Flat roofs are particularly well suited for the installation of PV systems. There is no question about that. Especially if a lot of PV power is required. But in times of recurring storms and hurricanes, these systems have to withstand a lot. Our in-house and well known mounting system IBC AeroFix has already proven several times in the past that it can withstand the strongest storms. But how exactly does our AeroFix system perform in these extreme situations? We wanted to know more about this and therefore started a video and sensor monitoring for a period of 10 years. But before we go into detail, let’s take a look at some background information first. (more…)

Training for installers on non-ballast structures at IBC SOLAR Polska

Since March 2021, over 30 people have already participated in free workshops organized by IBC SOLAR Polska in cooperation with CW Lundberg, a producer of complete roof protection systems. During one-day training, participants have the opportunity to learn about a modern solution for flat roof installations, developed jointly by both companies, using a non-invasive and ballast-free mounting system. (more…)

Solar drinking water supply in Hanoi

Every now and then we report on the versatility of photovoltaics. It is used for different purposes all over the world. In Hanoi (Vietnam), for example, green solar power has been providing solar treatment of drinking water since the beginning of the year. There, our international project division, IBC SOLAR Energy, constructed a 2.7 MWp PV system for the water treatment plant of the AquaOne Group. (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…)

Static friction coefficient with AeroFix and AeroFlat

Static friction and spring scale

In the flat roof sector, aerodynamic mounting systems have evolved, especially for foil, bitumen, green and gravel roofs. The reason for this success is the simple assembly compared to other systems, as normally no roof penetrations have to be made and better load values are achieved through the aerodynamics. Instead, ballast is only applied depending on the project. In this context, the so-called static friction coefficient between the bracket and the roof cladding plays an important role in all aerodynamic systems on the market, for example in our IBC AeroFix and IBC AeroFlat systems, because it strongly influences the ballast. How this is determined exactly and what needs to be taken into account is explained in more detail below. (more…)