Tag: Mounting

More and more roofers are discovering photovoltaics as a second mainstay. In future, they won’t be able to work without solar technology. At the same time, it’s clearly an advantage for homeowners if the roofer is familiar with installing solar systems.

Dont miss! Webinar on 14th April 2025: Simple solutions for complex PV projects – with K2 Systems

There are specific tasks that only the roofer can – and should – carry out, particularly when it comes to ensuring the roof cladding remains watertight. “The roofer is authorised to install the photovoltaic system on both pitched and flat roofs,” explains Michael Zimmermann, Vice President of the German Roofing Trade Association (ZVDH).

Solar folded metal sheet

After all, this is part of the master craftsman’s examination programme for the roofing trade. “There are good reasons for this categorisation, as the installation of a solar system always involves interfering with the roof covering, the roof waterproofing, or the statics,” says Zimmermann.

Solar roof systems: Safety in the face of increasing loads

Manufacturers of mounting systems place great importance on working with roofers. They are increasingly tailoring their products to roofers’ requirements. Roofit, for example, has developed a specialised roof-integrated solution. The Estonian company offers a solar element for standing seam metal roofs, mounted on its own metal plate, which is seamed together with the actual roof covering.

Clamped onto trapezoidal sheet metal

This allows the craftsman to install the whole solution in the same way as a normal standing seam roof, only requiring the individual modules to be fitted and wired together. As the solar elements are attached directly to the metal roof panel, the system achieves the highest fire protection class A1.
Maas Profile has also developed a system for trapezoidal metal roofs that is fastened with clamps but does not require roof penetrations. Maas manufactures the trapezoidal sheet metal with a so-called dovetailed profile. This is a profile whose raised bead tapers from top to bottom. This creates an inverted trapezoid, onto an oppositely shaped clamp is slipped.

K2 Systems: K2 Buddy now for tiled roofs

This is pressed crosswise with a screw to the dovetail profile to create a solid clamp connection. Then a module clamp can be attached to the profile using a hammer-head screw to fix the solar panel in place.

The insulation system manufacturer Romanowski also uses this solution for its new PIR roof panel RD. With the new sandwich panel, roofers can also create insulated trapezoidal sheet metal roofs easily and completely without roof penetration.

Clamp for round seam

Zambelli has introduced a system for round seam roofs without penetration. It is based on two sheets, each with a rounding on one side, which are joined together to form a clamp. These two sheets are placed on the left and right of the round seam and connected with two screws. They are pressed against the seam metal.

Florian Achatz from SL Rack: Innovations in solar mounting

The clamps are equipped with a cut-out. The installer slides the mounting rails into these across the roof and screws the module clamps onto them. As the mounting rails can be moved in the solar clamps, the solar installation is thermally decoupled from the roof.

While penetration of the roof should be prevented as best as possible on metal roofs, it is often impossible to avoid it on flat roofs. Where the load bearing capacity of the roof or the insulation is not sufficient for the solar system with additional ballasting, the connection to the roof is often the last option for installing a solar system.

Christian Ganahl from Aerocompact: Flexible installation on roofs and façades

This is always a job for a roofer. “The flat roof is a task for experts, as the risks involved are significantly higher than with a tiled roof,” emphasises Michael Zimmermann from the ZVDH. If there is a roof penetration, it’s the roofer’s responsibility to ensure it is properly sealed. The necessary products are readily available.

Safe roof penetration

With the SB2 solar fastener, the roof accessories manufacturer BST has developed a solution for the construction of flat roof systems in which the mounting system is fastened with roof penetration. BST uses a sealing disc for this purpose. This is a round adapter made of PVC, which is fitted with a threaded bolt.

Once the fitter has applied a seam sealing paste to the roof cladding, he uses a special attachment for the cordless electric screwdriver to drive the threaded bolt through the roof cladding so that the sealing disc comes to bear on the roof cladding. This is glued to the roof with the seam sealing paste. The actual mounting system is then attached to the threaded bolt.

Miguel Giménez from K2 Systems: “Significant growth opportunities”

Alwitra also has its own mounting solution in its portfolio with the Evatec solar mounting system. It consists of two metal sheets shaped in such a way that a cavity is created underneath them, which is filled with insulating material. These two sheets are screwed together above the cavity. In this way, the screws do not touch the roof cladding. The lower sheet is fastened with long screws through the roof cladding directly to the supporting structure of the roof.

Distribute loads

There is a plastic sleeve between the two sheets. Its material matches the Evalon and Evalastic roofing membranes from Alwitra. This plastic sleeve is welded to the roofing membranes.

In this way, the roof is sealed again. A mounting for solar modules is attached to the upper sheet. As the system is screwed directly to the roof’s load-bearing layer, the loads are applied directly to this structure and not to the insulation layer. This increases the durability of the roof.

Marc Uhland from Novotegra: A full kit for any kind of solar mounting

The installation of solar systems involves the risk of damage to the roof cladding. To prevent this, Regupol has developed a special building protection mat that stabilises the roof covering. Regupol Solar has been specially developed for the installation and long-term operation of photovoltaic and solar systems on flat roofs. It is available in different versions.

The building protection mats are also available as fire versions. These flame-retardant versions are suitable for installations with increased fire protection requirements. All building protection mats are designed in accordance with DIN 18531 and the German flat roof guidelines. (su)

Institutional property investors are increasingly focusing on sustainability as a means of enhancing and stabilising the value of their assets. Alongside, international environmental and social standards (ESG) are playing a growing role in shaping investment decisions. This trend affects both residential and logistics properties, which account for the majority of total investment.

Almost the last chance to register: Webinar with K2 Systems on 14 April 2025: Simple solutions for complex PV projects

This is according to a survey conducted by Patrizia, which found that a full 85 percent of investors surveyed by the Augsburg-based property manager said they plan to invest more in sustainable buildings in future, or allocate additional funds to upgrading the energy efficiency of existing properties.

Solar power helps stabilise value

Together with solar project developer Goldbeck Solar and energy strategy specialist Sunrock, Patrizia has demonstrated how this can work in practice. The company manages large-scale warehouses in the Port of Rotterdam across a site covering 210,000 square metres – all topped with expansive flat roofs.

DHL company relies on PV – large roof system in Finland

The buildings are located on Maasvlakte, an artificial island created in the 1960s and extended between 2008 and 2013. To improve both the sustainability and long-term value of its logistics properties on the site, Patrizia had the roofs fitted with large photovoltaic arrays.

Wind load a challenge

The available roof space of 120,000 square metres of was sufficient for Goldbeck Solar and Sunrock to install solar modules with a combined capacity of 25 megawatts. “The size of the Maasvlakte solar project and its unique location made it an exciting endeavour for us,” says Michiel Vanhoutte, COO at Goldbeck Solar.

Don’t miss any important information on your investment into solar energy! Simply subscribe to our free newsletter for investors.

For the planners and installers at Goldbeck Solar, the project was no trivial matter. “Maasvlakte is located on the edge of the sea in a very exposed location with enormous wind loads,” explains Vanhoutte. “This made the installation quite complex and challenging.”

Solar output doubled

Installation took place while the logistics centre remained fully operational, requiring engineering teams from Goldbeck Solar and Sunrock to develop a carefully coordinated construction process that minimised disruption to tenants, all while keeping the project on schedule.
The final result speaks for itself, with solar systems that generate enough electricity to cover the annual consumption of some 8,000 Dutch households. With the new installations at Maasvlakte, Patrizia has doubled the installed PV capacity across its logistics portfolio, representing a clear step forward in meeting its sustainability goals. (su/tf)

Institutional property investors are increasingly focusing on sustainability as a means of enhancing and stabilising the value of their assets. Alongside, international environmental and social standards (ESG) are playing a growing role in shaping investment decisions. This trend affects both residential and logistics properties, which account for the majority of total investment.

Almost the last chance to register: Webinar with K2 Systems on 14 April 2025: Simple solutions for complex PV projects

This is according to a survey conducted by Patrizia, which found that a full 85 percent of investors surveyed by the Augsburg-based property manager said they plan to invest more in sustainable buildings in future, or allocate additional funds to upgrading the energy efficiency of existing properties.

Solar power helps stabilise value

Together with solar project developer Goldbeck Solar and energy strategy specialist Sunrock, Patrizia has demonstrated how this can work in practice. The company manages large-scale warehouses in the Port of Rotterdam across a site covering 210,000 square metres – all topped with expansive flat roofs.

DHL company relies on PV – large roof system in Finland

The buildings are located on Maasvlakte, an artificial island created in the 1960s and extended between 2008 and 2013. To improve both the sustainability and long-term value of its logistics properties on the site, Patrizia had the roofs fitted with large photovoltaic arrays.

Wind load a challenge

The available roof space of 120,000 square metres of was sufficient for Goldbeck Solar and Sunrock to install solar modules with a combined capacity of 25 megawatts. “The size of the Maasvlakte solar project and its unique location made it an exciting endeavour for us,” says Michiel Vanhoutte, COO at Goldbeck Solar.

Don’t miss any important information on your investment into solar energy! Simply subscribe to our free newsletter for investors.

For the planners and installers at Goldbeck Solar, the project was no trivial matter. “Maasvlakte is located on the edge of the sea in a very exposed location with enormous wind loads,” explains Vanhoutte. “This made the installation quite complex and challenging.”

Solar output doubled

Installation took place while the logistics centre remained fully operational, requiring engineering teams from Goldbeck Solar and Sunrock to develop a carefully coordinated construction process that minimised disruption to tenants, all while keeping the project on schedule.
The final result speaks for itself, with solar systems that generate enough electricity to cover the annual consumption of some 8,000 Dutch households. With the new installations at Maasvlakte, Patrizia has doubled the installed PV capacity across its logistics portfolio, representing a clear step forward in meeting its sustainability goals. (su/tf)

Planners must account for the loads acting on a solar installation and factor them into their calculations. But extreme weather events can’t always be predicted in advance. To address this, K2 Systems has developed a solution that helps prevent excessive loads from stressing the roof.

Register now Webinar with K2 Systems on 14 April 2025: Simple solutions for complex PV projects

The mounting system provider has developed a warning system that triggers an alarm if the roof load becomes too high. The K2 Buddy is integrated directly into the mounting structure and includes a small weigh scale that transmits data to an app. This allows the system operator to monitor rooftop loads at any time. If the weight reaches a critical level, they can arrange for the snow to be cleared. In this way, the monitoring system helps protect both the photovoltaic modules and the roof from overloading.

Live data from the Buddy

Until now, the monitoring system was used primarily to provide added protection on flat roofs. It’s now also available to planners and installers working with pitched roofs featuring tiled cladding. At the heart of the K2 Buddy are sensors installed beneath one of the modules, continuously measuring the snow load. System operators can access the data digitally and in real time via the K2 Buddy app.

Protecting solar plants in extreme weather

The user interface gives both installers and system owners precise information about current conditions on the modules. If load levels become too high, the app sends a push notification prompting action. Installers simply need access to the K2 monitoring system. Once connected, they receive live data from all the Buddies linked to systems under their maintenance and monitoring contracts.

Avoid critical loads

This reduces the need for unnecessary roof inspections, minimises snow clearing efforts, and helps avoid extra costs. “Or think of the increasing tendency to use even larger modules, which also have a lower load limit,” says Nadine Wade, Product Manager at K2 Systems. “This can become critical more quickly, which is why a monitoring system provides security in these cases.”

New ideas and products for roofers to install PV systems

Alongside the live display, the app also offers a historical view, recording snow loads on the modules over recent months. Installers and system operators can choose whether to receive notifications by push message, email or both.

Suitable up to 45 degrees

With just a few additional components, the K2 Buddy can now also be installed on roof pitches of 15 to 45 degrees and a rafter spacing of 55 centimetres to 1.20 metres in combination with the K2 Singlehook 3S roof hook and the K2 Singlerail 36. “By extending the K2 Buddy to tiled roofs, we are offering customers more flexibility and safety when installing photovoltaic systems,” says Katharina David, CEO of K2 Systems. “Our aim is to maximise the durability and efficiency of the systems while minimising maintenance costs.”

Don’t miss any important information about the solar energy transition! Simply subscribe to our free newsletter.

The K2 Buddy can be planned directly in the K2 Base design software. The data can also be exchanged automatically between the planning tool and the app. If the system owner has a Buddy integrated into their generator, they can be sure that the modules and roof will not be damaged, even in snowy regions. K2 Systems also extends the warranty period for the mounting system to 20 years if the Buddy has been professionally installed.

Find out what to look out for during planning and installation in the interview with Nadine Wade in the second part of our series on the mounting of solar installations on roofs. (su)

More and more roofers are discovering photovoltaics as a second mainstay. In future, they won’t be able to work without solar technology. At the same time, it’s clearly an advantage for homeowners if the roofer is familiar with installing solar systems.

Dont miss! Webinar on 14th April 2025: Simple solutions for complex PV projects – with K2 Systems

There are specific tasks that only the roofer can – and should – carry out, particularly when it comes to ensuring the roof cladding remains watertight. “The roofer is authorised to install the photovoltaic system on both pitched and flat roofs,” explains Michael Zimmermann, Vice President of the German Roofing Trade Association (ZVDH).

Solar folded metal sheet

After all, this is part of the master craftsman’s examination programme for the roofing trade. “There are good reasons for this categorisation, as the installation of a solar system always involves interfering with the roof covering, the roof waterproofing, or the statics,” says Zimmermann.

Solar roof systems: Safety in the face of increasing loads

Manufacturers of mounting systems place great importance on working with roofers. They are increasingly tailoring their products to roofers’ requirements. Roofit, for example, has developed a specialised roof-integrated solution. The Estonian company offers a solar element for standing seam metal roofs, mounted on its own metal plate, which is seamed together with the actual roof covering.

Clamped onto trapezoidal sheet metal

This allows the craftsman to install the whole solution in the same way as a normal standing seam roof, only requiring the individual modules to be fitted and wired together. As the solar elements are attached directly to the metal roof panel, the system achieves the highest fire protection class A1.
Maas Profile has also developed a system for trapezoidal metal roofs that is fastened with clamps but does not require roof penetrations. Maas manufactures the trapezoidal sheet metal with a so-called dovetailed profile. This is a profile whose raised bead tapers from top to bottom. This creates an inverted trapezoid, onto an oppositely shaped clamp is slipped.

K2 Systems: K2 Buddy now for tiled roofs

This is pressed crosswise with a screw to the dovetail profile to create a solid clamp connection. Then a module clamp can be attached to the profile using a hammer-head screw to fix the solar panel in place.

The insulation system manufacturer Romanowski also uses this solution for its new PIR roof panel RD. With the new sandwich panel, roofers can also create insulated trapezoidal sheet metal roofs easily and completely without roof penetration.

Clamp for round seam

Zambelli has introduced a system for round seam roofs without penetration. It is based on two sheets, each with a rounding on one side, which are joined together to form a clamp. These two sheets are placed on the left and right of the round seam and connected with two screws. They are pressed against the seam metal.

Florian Achatz from SL Rack: Innovations in solar mounting

The clamps are equipped with a cut-out. The installer slides the mounting rails into these across the roof and screws the module clamps onto them. As the mounting rails can be moved in the solar clamps, the solar installation is thermally decoupled from the roof.

While penetration of the roof should be prevented as best as possible on metal roofs, it is often impossible to avoid it on flat roofs. Where the load bearing capacity of the roof or the insulation is not sufficient for the solar system with additional ballasting, the connection to the roof is often the last option for installing a solar system.

Christian Ganahl from Aerocompact: Flexible installation on roofs and façades

This is always a job for a roofer. “The flat roof is a task for experts, as the risks involved are significantly higher than with a tiled roof,” emphasises Michael Zimmermann from the ZVDH. If there is a roof penetration, it’s the roofer’s responsibility to ensure it is properly sealed. The necessary products are readily available.

Safe roof penetration

With the SB2 solar fastener, the roof accessories manufacturer BST has developed a solution for the construction of flat roof systems in which the mounting system is fastened with roof penetration. BST uses a sealing disc for this purpose. This is a round adapter made of PVC, which is fitted with a threaded bolt.

Once the fitter has applied a seam sealing paste to the roof cladding, he uses a special attachment for the cordless electric screwdriver to drive the threaded bolt through the roof cladding so that the sealing disc comes to bear on the roof cladding. This is glued to the roof with the seam sealing paste. The actual mounting system is then attached to the threaded bolt.

Miguel Giménez from K2 Systems: “Significant growth opportunities”

Alwitra also has its own mounting solution in its portfolio with the Evatec solar mounting system. It consists of two metal sheets shaped in such a way that a cavity is created underneath them, which is filled with insulating material. These two sheets are screwed together above the cavity. In this way, the screws do not touch the roof cladding. The lower sheet is fastened with long screws through the roof cladding directly to the supporting structure of the roof.

Distribute loads

There is a plastic sleeve between the two sheets. Its material matches the Evalon and Evalastic roofing membranes from Alwitra. This plastic sleeve is welded to the roofing membranes.

In this way, the roof is sealed again. A mounting for solar modules is attached to the upper sheet. As the system is screwed directly to the roof’s load-bearing layer, the loads are applied directly to this structure and not to the insulation layer. This increases the durability of the roof.

Marc Uhland from Novotegra: A full kit for any kind of solar mounting

The installation of solar systems involves the risk of damage to the roof cladding. To prevent this, Regupol has developed a special building protection mat that stabilises the roof covering. Regupol Solar has been specially developed for the installation and long-term operation of photovoltaic and solar systems on flat roofs. It is available in different versions.

The building protection mats are also available as fire versions. These flame-retardant versions are suitable for installations with increased fire protection requirements. All building protection mats are designed in accordance with DIN 18531 and the German flat roof guidelines. (su)