New mounting system for flat roofs

SCHULZ Systemtechnik has for many years been installing solar devices for a wide variety of requirements. The use of flat roofs for this environmentally friendly method of electricity generation has often been a problem in the past. A new mounting concept developed especially for lightweight hall roofs now makes them a problem-free proposition for the installation of photovoltaic systems. Modern hall roofs are often designed in such a way that their lightweight construction does not permit any additional conventional-style installation of photovoltaic systems. "There can be many reasons for this", remarks project manager Achim Armbrecht. "On the one hand flat roofs often support only minimal additional loading, while on the other hand mounting systems endanger the guarantee of imperviousness if penetration of the roof is necessary." The new mounting system employed by SCHULZ Systemtechnik for flat roofs employs a different approach and can be attached to the roof surface without any direct fixing points. This is achieved by the use of plastic troughs which are weighted down with gravel. The modules themselves are screwed onto the associated subconstruction. The complete system exploits load reserves in the roof construction and is customised to given roof conditions. "By using this type of support system there is only low additional loading of the roof surface", explains Armbrecht. As a special highlight, SCHULZ Systemtechnik offers its clients an easy-to-understand wind simulation expertise. The simulation takes into account not only given site-specific conditions – such as the wind-load zone and building height – but also the potentially most unfavourable wind situation, i.e. where the air flow succeeds in coming from directly behind the erected modules. "This simulation is very important for both clients and insurers", explains Armbrecht. "Roof manufacturers' guarantees can also no longer be excluded."