Clenergy has announced the selection of its PV-ezRack SolarTerrace MAC (ST MAC) mounting solution for a 1.4-megawatt solar project in Spalding, UK. The project, developed for Moulton Bulb, a leading grower and supplier of onions, shallots, and garlic, is set to generate approximately 1,476,000kWh of renewable energy each year. This clean energy output will offset 309 tonnes of CO2 annually and contribute more than 20% of the energy required to operate Moulton Bulb’s facility, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable practices.

See also: Introducing an ‘ikonic’ ground-based mounting system

The solar installation features Canadian Solar panels and Sungrow inverters, alongside Clenergy’s ST MAC mounting system. Designed for ground-mount solar installations, the ST MAC system was selected for its excellent durability and ease of installation. Clenergy’s Magnesium-Aluminum-Zinc (MAC) coated steel provides a high level of corrosion resistance, said to be five to ten times greater than conventional hot-dip galvanized steel. This makes the system well-suited for large-scale solar projects, ensuring long-term reliability and reduced maintenance costs. The system also offers enhanced aesthetic qualities and self-healing properties, which protect exposed edges from the elements.

Strong wind resistance

Cost-effectiveness and adaptability were key considerations in the selection of the ST MAC system for this project. With a simplified design that reduces the number of brackets and fasteners, installation is quicker and requires fewer resources. This makes it ideal for both commercial and utility-scale solar installations. Its strong wind resistance, achieved through dual-insurance fastening methods, further enhances its suitability for large-scale operations, even in areas prone to extreme weather conditions.

Also interesting: Sungrow: 1.4 GWh storage supply for Penso Power and BW ESS

The system also offers excellent adaptability to different terrain types, thanks to its adjustable design features. This capability has proven beneficial in the Spalding installation, where ground conditions required additional flexibility. The project’s contractor, NerG Ltd, praised the system’s robustness and the stability provided by its ground screw foundation. Ben Covell, Project Manager at NerG Ltd, noted that the installation was completed efficiently and the foundation provided impressive support, even in challenging ground conditions. (mfo)





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How did  the market for munting systems develop this year?

Ludwig Schletter: We started this year in a normal way. It’s not critically for us, but it’s a little bit decreasing, especially the rooftop market. But last year we have built many installations. We had a hype which is over now.

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The overheated market cooled down. How is it at the moment?

I hope we can continue this level and grow slowly. It’s very important for a company like ours. We need a steady business not the vibes up and down. This not manageable for a company. In the past we grew up to 200 % in one year or decreased or dropped off in the next. For a company, we cannot work this way.

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My impression is that more installers, more groups of installers, experts for the roofings and so on, are driving into solar business. Do you see this, too?

We are working with wholesalers. We have three steps of distribution, and we are not so close to the installers and their customers. But it’s true, some branches, some business is dropping off for the electrician and for small houses. They are looking for solar business, but they have an experience as electricians, they can do this in a good way, I think. The move is not so big. It’s just in the same business.

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What about solar projects in the fields, which is another part of your business?

Those projects are growing for us. They’re really growing, and we have a new facility for the production, a new production line. We are very happy to have this built up in spring this year. Now we are really competitive. Our capacity has doubled. We can deliver.

Do you produce in Bavaria?

In Bavaria. Not only in Germany but in Bavaria. That’s very important to say, because I am Upper Bavarian.

Why do you do this? Many competing companys go to factories in China.

We can also offer products made in China. It’s not a problem. We can also purchase in China. But we have the experience that the customer needs a short delivery time and need to be safe with the delivery. Sea transport means delays, for example.

Deadlines are critical in the solar project business …

Indeed, for a project it is a critical situation. If you need four weeks longer for shipping I have to postpone the project. Or cancel it, at worst.

Maybe you can balance problems in one market with chances in other markets. What are your main markets within Europe?

Very important is the German market, of course it is the main market. Next are Austria and Switzerland. But also Spain. We have started in Spain this year and have some projects done. It is a comfortable situation there. They have more radiation, more sun.

The Spain marktet was up and down and is rising again. When the waves of political support or resistance will come to an end?

I cannot understand why countries like Italy do not more in solar energy. Recently they discussed to stop the ground-mounted solar parks. I cannot understand what story is behind. But in the long-term, the economic rules may play the major part of it. I am convinced that all those markets are coming up again.

Interview by Heiko Schwarzburger

Find more about te mounting systems of SL Rack.

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“For us, sustainability is more than just lip service,” says Schletter’s CEO, Florian Roos. “It is firmly anchored in our corporate philosophy. For this reason, we have decided to publish a sustainability report for the first time, even though we are not legally required to do so.” Over around 160 pages, the company reports on its sustainability strategies and measures for 2023, and provides an overview of its global carbon footprint, materiality analyses, social and ecological sustainability, and governance. Following its release, Schletter plans to publish sustainability reports annually from now on.

“We introduced and intensified various initiatives in 2023 to reduce our energy consumption, minimize waste, and maximize the use of renewable resources,” adds Roos. The report takes various emission sources into account, and divides them into “scopes.” Scope 1 includes emissions from company-owned sources such as facilities, vehicles, and equipment; Scope 2 covers emissions from the generation of purchased energy, such as electricity or heat; and Scope 3 covers emissions stemming from the company’s supply chain, including suppliers, customers, and product use.

Internationally recognized guidelines and standards

The report is also based on internationally recognized guidelines and standards, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) sustainability reporting standards, and the United Nations Global Compact’s (UNGC) principles. “It was important for us to base our CSR report on internationally recognized practices and guidelines,” Roos emphasizes. “That way, we align ourselves with global standards, ensuring transparency and comparability.“

Also see: Longi awarded for its ESG performance

The preparation of sustainability reports for 2023 is mandatory for capital market-oriented companies with a certain number of employees — but, notably, not for Schletter. However, despite not being required by law to do so, the company has formalized a set of environmental goals to work towards over the medium term. They are:

By the end of 2024
>50% recycled packaging / single-material packaging / alternative packaging materials
>95% recyclable material at the end of the lifecycle of Schletter products

By the end of 2025
100% monitored supply chain (Tier 1)
>50% recycled materials in Schletter products
The reduction of Schletter products’ CO2 footprints by decreasing their power-to-weight ratios (kg of material per MW of installed capacity) by 5% annually
By the end of 2028
100% coverage of the power supply for administrative workstations from renewable or green energy sources at Schletter locations. (hcn)





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How long have you been in the solar business?

Katharina David: For 20 years K2 Systems builds up a close partnership with the installers. 20 years of connecting strength. 20 years that our customers are quite satisfied with the products we deliver. We call ist connecting strength, this connection between the ones who are using our products, the installers, and us learning from them to bring them new products for their needs.

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K2 Systems are one of the pioneers in digitalization of all the processes. What can you offer to save money, time, and hands?

We try to look at all the steps around installation that we help them to really gain some time, because gaining time is gaining money as well, and being able to scale up more. On the product side we really try to make it as simple as possible because the ease of installation helps as well on site. On the other hand, we have with K2 Base a super product to plan not only the mounting system, but the Inverters, too.

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Is it possible to order with the help of the K2 Base?

It is connected with our web shop and with the web shops of our PV distribution partners or electrical wholesalers. There they can really transfer what they are doing directly to the web shop. That helps tremendously. We get really good feedback. And that’s also part of connecting strength, working in these networks. When we try to avoid in between steps, that makes life far easier.

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A new field are solar facades. Wat do you think about this part of the market?

The optical challenges are much more more complex than on the rooftop. I am sure that facades coming up to become a new business. That‘s why we offer special mounting systems for vertical installations. Of course, the rooftop market is at least four, five times bigger. It’s still dominating. But the solar facades will come.

More innovation on video – watch PV Guided Tours!

What is your strategy in this new field?

Our approach is to standardize as much as possible. If we deliver a standardized solution the installer is able to do it on a regular basis. Every day again. We are more on the standardized way so that we really can use not only the rooftop, but also the façade of C&I buildings to generate energy.

How do you help your customers to apply the systems? How do you get in contact to make them ready for digital processes, make them ready for visualization?

We have something like an academy. We start with our resource center on the website. There you get all information you need. Then on the other hand, we have the frequently webinairs every week. In these webinairs we have frequency rate as well. And there we try to cover the needs of the installer, to teach them our products and to teach them, how they can make their life easier.

To complicate matters you need to do it for international customers. Which are the most important markets?

At the moment we are in an on-off situation in Europe. The Nordics are in a transition phase, a little bit fade down, but not totally. Then we have on-off situation in some Eastern countries or Middle Eastern countries. Italy will come up, will go back to a boom, I assume for C&I. Spain isn’t really good. France is still a really interesting market for us. The conditions in Germany are good but the market slows down compared to last two years. Let’s move and let’s generate to get the energy transition.

Interview by Heiko Schwarzburger

If you want to learn more about K2 Systems, look here.





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Schletter’s current shareholders, Avenue Capital Group and Robus Capital will become minority shareholders in Enstall to support the company’s long-term strategic ambitions, working in close partnership with existing shareholders Blackstone and Rivean Capital.

Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Kirchdorf, Germany, Schletter is a global provider of solar mounting systems, having supplied over 55 GW of solar installations worldwide. The company’s product portfolio caters to roofs, façades, carports, and ground-mounted solar installations, including trackers and fixed-tilt systems.

Major step in Enstall`s growth strategy

The transaction represents a major step in executing on Enstall’s growth strategy, following its acquisition by Blackstone and Rivean Capital in 2022. The transaction will strengthen Enstall’s footprint in Germany and Central Europe, and establish Enstall as the one-stop-shop global solar mounting powerhouse, with a product portfolio covering both rooftop and ground-mount segments. Enstall also includes Esdec and other companies.

Stijn Vos, CEO of Enstall, said: “On behalf of the Enstall team, I would like to welcome all Schletter employees to the Enstall family. Schletter is the long-standing solar mounting champion of Germany, with a strong reputation for quality and innovation. We are looking forward to combining our expertise to achieve our shared vision of accelerating solar adoption to deliver solar, sooner.”

Strong presence in Germany as Europe`s largest solar market

Florian Roos, CEO of Schletter, added: “Enstall shares our long-term commitment to sustainable solar energy for future generations. Everything we do is guided by our dedication to improving durability, safety, sustainability, and the quality of our solar mounting systems, in support of achieving a transition to green energy. The partnership with Enstall will strengthen the combined innovation capabilities, and enable us to serve our customers with a broader portfolio of products and digital solutions globally.”

Also see: Schletter – New carport system is coming

Juergen Pinker, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone and Maurits Boomsma, Senior Partner at Rivean Capital, commented: “With this transformational acquisition, Enstall establishes a strong presence in Germany, Europe’s largest solar market, and expands into the attractive ground-mounted solar segment. Following Enstall’s acquisition of Sunfer in 2023, this deal demonstrates the continued strong momentum the company has in executing its growth strategy. We welcome Avenue Capital and Robus Capital as minority investors in Enstall, who have been long-standing supportive owners of Schletter.” (hcn)





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