Mounting system

PV flat roof systems in the wind tunnel test

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Before mounting systems are allowed to be installed, they must comply with corresponding standards, including EN 1991-1-4. Beside all the specifications regarding statics, materials, etc., this standard, including the national annex, contains specific information about wind loads to which PV systems and their mounting systems on roofs are exposed. In times of increasingly strong storms and even hurricanes this is indispensable for safety and must be included in the development. That is why the solar industry relies on so-called wind tunnel tests to keep the ballast of roof-penetration-free flat roof systems as low as necessary. In this blog entry, we explain how these tests are structured and what needs to be taken into account. (more…)

Modules & mounting systems: The right combination matters

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Module damage on the roof is unquestionably annoying and can quickly become stressful. It is small consolation when the product guarantees are still effective and one can in theory call the manufacturers to get everything done. It actually sounds pretty simple. Unfortunately, practice shows that the manufacturers of the various components sometimes do not agree which guarantees should apply to which product. Discussions are inevitable in these situations. The new combation warranty from IBC SOLAR provides a remedy here and allows stress-free processing in the event of damage.  (more…)

Roofs, loads and the correct mounting system

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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…)

Sabine, Victoria who will be next? The next storm is as certain as the sunrise

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In recent years a series of storms have swept across Europe. The list comprises some prominent storms in Germany like hurricane Niklas (2015), storm Xavier (2017), hurricane Friederike (2018), hurricane Sabine, and storm Victoria (both in 2020). During the last hurricane named Sabine, winds reached speeds of up to 177 km/h. Even in the lowlands, speeds of around 150 km/h could still be measured. This is a good enough reason for us to take a closer look at the calculation of PV systems. Because one thing is for certain – there will be more hurricanes on the way!

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Our year 2019 in review

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The year is drawing to a close. Just before Christmas, we take the time for a review of the solar year 2019! Read about the highlights we have experienced over the past 12 months.  (more…)