PV 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…)

Blog series: PV at IBC SOLAR, part I: The components

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Since the founding of IBC SOLAR, we have of course not only equipped our customers with complete PV systems, but also invested in our own in-house system. And this has grown steadily over the years. No wonder, because with almost 250 employees at the Bad Staffelstein headquarters alone, the demand for electricity is correspondingly high. In addition, PV can do a lot, and this comes to the fore with IBC SOLAR’s home system. In a multi-part series, we now provide an insight into the complex PV system: from the components to the development to the complex topics of energy management system (EMS) and e-mobility. (more…)

A forest, a PV system and clean drinking water

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Often one hears and reads about the potential of photovoltaics and how it can be used everywhere. It is a fact that PV is not only one of the most popular and cheapest types of electricity generation, but also highly flexible and often the solution for difficult situations. The latter applied to the community of Urphertshofen in Middle Franconia, Germany. Here, a photovoltaic system is used for the treatment of drinking water – in the middle of the forest. (more…)

Hybrid inverters conquer the market

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Everyone is currently talking about hybrid inverters, i.e. the combination of photovoltaic and battery inverters. No wonder, because they offer decisive advantages. These devices are particularly efficient, flexible and combine two essential products of a photovoltaic system –   the inverter and the solar battery. Conversely, for the user this means that both space and costs are saved and, of course, less installation work is required. Another plus point of these combination devices is the possibility of a back-up function in case of an emergency. (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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