29.09.2022 | PV/flat roofs

360° solutions as a guarantee for success

Solar system installers capable of including a safety solution with their PV systems hold a clear edge over the competition. You can find out why this is the case in the following article.

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Specialist series: Absturzsicherung auf PV-Anlagen

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Guide for PV systems on the roof

Guide: Fall Protection Photovoltaic (PV)-System

This ultimate fall protection guide will help you to achieve a safe PV system on the roof. In the following, we summarise the danger areas on the roof, the liability issue and the safety solutions in a compact way. In addition, you will learn how you can generate more turnover as a solar installer.

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Elektro Scherer puts its trust in the TAURUS rail system from INNOTECH

In its practical implementation, the roof installation of PV systems together with their associated fall protection repeatedly creates specific challenges. In the case of Elektro Scherer, a TAURUS rail system from INNOTECH was attached directly to the K2 substructure of the solar power plant.

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How roof surfaces can be optimally used for the planned PV installation

With regard to PV installations on roofs, the question of competition for area often arises. This refers to competition between various types of use for the available area. The reason is that in principle all PV system operators want to free up the maximum possible amount of space for their solar power plant.

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Why should you, as PV installers, also offer the fall protection system?

We invited experts to a discussion on the subject of fall protection for PV systems on flat and pitched roofs. In this blog post we go into the most frequently asked questions related to this topic.

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Individual or collective protection? Which system is used when for PV installations on a roof?

While dangers like break-throughs or an increased fall risk close to the roof edge lurk on a flat roof, on a pitched roof the inclination itself is the greatest challenge. Discover in the following article how you can professionally protect your maintenance and cleaning staff.

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A professional safety concept for PV installations protects the wallet and the nerves

As a solar system installer, you naturally know every detail of the legal safety provisions relating to PV systems on a roof. In contrast, your clients may well be entering completely new territory which probably raises a number of additional questions. It is therefore all the more important from the outset to integrate the subject of safety into the planning of the PV system, and to create a substantiated and professional safety concept.

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Successful solar system installers are those who offer PV fall protection at the same time

Solar system installers who, in addition to the optimally appropriate PV systems, can also provide the best possible fall protection, not only have a better image than their competitors – they can also use this to create increased turnover.

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Safety increases business for solar system installers as full service providers

PV systems on the roof have been booming for quite some time. No wonder, because having your own solar power plant on the roof not only gives you much more independence in terms of energy supply, but also makes a significant contribution to the energy transition as a whole. If you also focus on the issue of safety on the roof, then as a solar installer you can leave the competition behind. In this article, you will discover how you can achieve this.

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Supporting multiple PV customers simultaneously can often become a huge challenge

Not only private households, but also businesses and companies, are relying increasingly on generating their own solar energy. The presently escalating energy prices will hasten this trend even further. For solar system installers, this creates enormous potential for winning new orders. It can then very easily happen that multiple projects or construction sites have to be managed simultaneously. And that creates a number of challenges.

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Work on a PV system on a roof

Installing one’s own PV system on a roof makes sense for a number of reasons. So that it always provides the best possible performance, workers regularly have to access the solar power plant in order to perform servicing and cleaning tasks. Who is responsible or liable for the consequences of accidents?

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PV systems on a roof – consider all danger areas, in order to protect against falls effectively

The circumstances and conditions of every single order for a PV system on a roof must always be analysed very closely, in order to implement the correct safety precautions. Solar system installers who recognise all risks and can at the same time also propose the appropriate professional and certified solution to their customers have the opportunity to position themselves as a responsible absolute expert in their area. In the medium and long term, this also has a positive effect on the sales performance of solar system installers.

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6 tips which help solar system installers to gain increased turnover from their PV installations on roofs

Even if the connection isn’t obvious at first glance, solar system installers and PV installation companies can acquire significantly more new customers with a partner who is a certified and professional manufacturer of fall protection systems for PV installations on roofs. The reason why is very simple: They are able to cover the subject of safety in the very first meeting with the customer, thereby relieving their potential clients of a large amount of research work.

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Subsequent installation of a fall protection system for PV installations on the roof

It is never too late to make the right decisions and implement them! This means that even operators of PV installations on the roof should consider whether the subsequent upgrade of their solar power plant with a professional and certified fall protection system is feasible and sensible.

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360° solutions as a guarantee for success

Solar system installers capable of including a safety solution with their PV systems hold a clear edge over the competition. You can find out why this is the case in the following article.

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4 steps are necessary for professional fall protection on the PV system on the roof

Discover all the necessary information here. In this article, we explain in summary the four steps that will lead you to your fall protection for PV systems. This much in advance, everything starts with a plan...

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The right fall protection creates more space for the PV system

Here is an example from practice. ADREX relies on its proven one-stop-shop principle, in order to largely relieve its customers of all tasks related to their own roof-mounted solar power plants. This obviously also includes the selection and installation of a professional fall protection system for the PV installation.

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Correct servicing and inspection of your PV fall protection system protects you from many problems

The fall protection for your PV system on a roof is 100% safe only if it is also inspected regularly for signs of potential wear and tear, damage, or corrosion, and for loose mounts. Discover what matters.

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The professional way to install a fall protection system for your PV system on the roof

The detailed planning of the fall protection system for your PV system on the roof is followed by what is probably the most tantalising moment of the endeavour to make your solar power plant as safe and efficient as possible: the installation; the project is finally taking concrete shape. Discover what matters in the process.

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The installation of a fall protection system for your PV system on the roof requires a certain amount of expertise!

The same rules that apply in all other areas of life and work also hold true in the area of fall protection systems for PV systems installed on a roof: Solid initial and further training are of pivotal importance, especially when it comes to the correct installation and proper servicing / cleaning of the system and its individual solar panels.

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The aspects to focus on when planning a fall protection system for the PV system on your roof

The goal to harvest as much power as possible from your own solar power plant therefore hinges on the ability to maximise the utilisation of the roof surface, while securing the trouble-free operation of the solar power plant for the long term. This requires a comprehensive plan which factors in all details and also includes a professional system that protects against falls from a height.

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Fall protection systems for your PV system installed on the roof

There are questions that come up again and again when it comes to the safety of PV systems on the roof. We have summarised the 6 most frequently asked questions by installers and solar technicians and also show the challenges of PV systems on flat and pitched roofs. The focus is always on possible safety solutions to mitigate these.

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PV systems on a flat roof can be efficient and safe at the same time

In the examination of current practice below, we show you two individual solutions for flat roofs, together with the respective challenges which may be created by one’s own solar power plant. Discover the TAURUS rail system and the AIO lifeline system using Autohaus Nägele & Sohn GmbH and Autowelt Reibersdorfer as examples.

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5 tips relating to your PV system on the roof

How to save time and money. Installing a photovoltaic system on your own roof is always a good idea, because in this way a previously completely unused surface is availed of for the sustainable production of electricity for your household or company. But so that this success story really comes into being, as early as the planning phase of your PV system you should also create a professional safety concept, or get one created.

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Professional fall protection for your PV system on pitched roofs

Installation tasks on the photovoltaic system, as well as its servicing and cleaning, represent a particular challenge. An selection of possible security solutions including advantages can be discovered in the following article. In addition, the topic of access to the PV system on the pitched roof is also covered.

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Fall protection photovoltaics

Not all roofs are the same. In the same way that roof forms differ greatly, the dangers concealed during installation and servicing and cleaning tasks on PV systems are just as variable. For this reason, we present solutions for all cases here.

Safety on rooftops is always given the highest priority. And, this top priority starts with the installation of PV systems on the roof.

Manuel Silbermayr

The growing use of solar power plants on people’s own roofs has been a tremendous boon to the entire solar industry. However, this welcome development has also caused the training of specialists to fall behind and thus led to a dramatic shortage of personnel sufficiently qualified to perform the work needed in this highly complex area. The unfortunate side effect is that solar system installers and fitters of PV system focus primarily on their core business / areas of core expertise – the assembly and installation of PV systems. Other essential aspects, such as ensuring safety for the workplace on the roof, are somewhat relegated to the background - both in their daily work and in consultations with the customer. 

This, however, is a trend with adverse effects for everyone involved. For the end customer, this trend means that they will have to do their own research to find a fall protection system that fits their PV system best and in a legally compliant manner and someone who will install it. An administrative effort of significant proportions. For solar system installers, the aspect of safety signifies the responsibility of keeping their staff safe during the installation of the PV system – a responsibility for which they are held liable.

A quick and easy solution to this problem is the collaboration with a professional partner specialising in fall protection systems. And: The client needs to commission only one trade contractor / company. 

Tip: When submitting your quotes for PV systems on the roof, always include written warnings including information on the responsibilities / statutory regulations and standards imposed on the operators of solar power plants. That way, you are ensuring that solar system installers as well are on the safe side regarding possible liability arising from accidents in the fall risk area. What would be even better is to already offer a professional fall protection system in your proposal.

 

PV installation with fall protection system as an all-in-one package

As mentioned above, solar system installers are liable for the staff they entrust with the task of installing a PV system on the roof of the client. Especially if the installers operate in the fall risk area, e.g. close to the edge of the roof. This type of situation calls for a professional fall protection system as well. It therefore makes sense to bring on board a dependable partner for the safety system from the very beginning and go even further and request from them a comprehensive safety concept for the respective construction site. This approach is advisable not only in terms of legal certainty.

It also yields benefits when it comes to the performance of the solar power plant as only a sound fall protection system will ensure a solar power plant that produces the maximum amount of electricity possible and allow for servicing and cleaning at any time. Opting for an improvised safety solution is unwise – for solar system installers and end customers alike. The reason is that such a safety solution will not demonstrate its ability to withstand the forces of a fall until an emergency actually occurs. This approach is equal to playing Russian roulette on the roof - and may yield the most dire consequences. 

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Experience gives sense of safety

Choosing a partner who is absolutely trustworthy is essential - especially when it comes to the topic of safety. Solar system installers should furthermore ensure that their manufacturers of fall protection systems for PV installations on the roof possess profound know-how in this field and continuously advance their products with regard to quality and functionality. This is the only way for you as a solar system installer to always offer your customers the latest technologies and safety solutions. Our experts will also examine all structural conditions on site and subsequently draw up a sound overall concept that includes a fall protection system that fits the established conditions best. 

 

The advantages a collaboration with INNOTECH holds for the solar system installer:

  • INNOTECH handles every aspect involved with fall protection for PV installations on the roof – from project commencement to planning and proposal preparation to the execution of the entire project, i.e. from project commencement to installation including full documentation.

 

  • Aside from carrying out all tests in house and in strict conformity with the relevant standards, INNOTECH also certifies all tested components and systems.

 

  • All components are delivered to the construction site ready for use.

 

  • Short delivery times unlike other manufacturers, as INNOTECH produces exclusively in Austria.

 

  • Full backing and support of the solar system installers on INNOTECH’s part.

 

  • Hand-in-hand project execution – saving time and money.

 

  • Exhaustive range of training courses. INNOTECH also offers the option of receiving on-site training at the respective construction site. This is an advantage of immense value - especially for time-sensitive projects - as it removes the need of waiting for courses to start or similar nuisances.

 

Make sure to also involve your safety partner when you plan the construction phase of your PV installation on the roof. This lets you kill two birds with one stone, if you will. If you, for instance, install the BARRIER guardrail system from INNOTECH as your safety measure for the construction work, you will save the money you would otherwise have spent on such other elaborate measures as scaffolding, lifting platforms or tensioned nets for safeguarding the workers on top of the roof.

And, this is how it works in practice: The BARRIER fall protection system is attached to the roof before the installation of the PV system begins. This lets you steer clear of any additional - and often costly - safety measures for the work steps performed by the fitters. Once installed, the BARRIER will simply act as a safety system for the PV installation, ensuring that all necessary servicing and cleaning can be performed safely at all times. This translates to savings in time and money - both for the solar system installer and each building owner.

Aside from reaping a host of administrative and logistical benefits from a cooperation with INNOTECH, the solar system installer will - even during the first customer consultation - come across as a responsible expert on solar installations who also keeps an eye on the safety of all workers performing the work. Apart from lessening their workload substantially, this level of competence will make the client feel perfectly at ease and secure. Moreover, the client will feel thoroughly and soundly informed. And that, in turn, will give the solar system installer an exceedingly professional image, which may have a positive effect on their order volume and generate additional income.

The key aspect is, however, that the installation of the safety system lets the solar system installer make a major contribution to preserving lives and preventing falls.

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The benefits to the end customer at a glance:

  • 360° solution – the customer is saved the hassle of spending expansive time and effort on research and obtaining proposals for optimum fall protection.

 

  • Only one contact partner.

 

  • Legal certainty in case of emergency.

 

  • Since the fall protection system is installed simultaneously with the PV system, there are no travel expenses and no overhead.

 

  • Optimum coordination and delivery of all parts according to schedule - effectively avoiding dwell times.

 

  • Optimum performance of the system, as the solar panels can be safely cleaned and serviced at all times - even spontaneously.

 

And one thing goes without saying: The greater the degree to which the client perceives the collaboration with the solar system installer as effortless and the better and safer they feel from the get-go, the greater is the likelihood that they will recommend your services. And, word of mouth ranks among the most effective ways to advertise - and does not cost you a cent to boot. 

 

Additional business opportunities for the solar system installer

The countless advantages of joining forces with INNOTECH as a partner for all matters concerning safety also include the opportunity for the solar system installer to utilise more space for solar panels, which springs from the use (whereversensible and possible) of integrated safety solutions from INNOTECH. And that, in turn, means more revenue per order. Better yet, the end customer as well can boost their economic return considerably as their solar power plant will produce more electricity. Finally, a cooperation can also lead to follow-up business deals for the solar system installer.

This is because the law mandates that a fall protection system for PV installations be subjected to an annual inspection. The solar system installer thus returns to the systems they installed and can generate additional revenue with next to no effort. As an added benefit, the solar system installer constantly stays in touch with their customers and remains available as their contact partner. What is more, the Web app INNO|doc lets the solar system installer stay on top of all of their projects with the press of a button and can initiate any necessary after-sales measures in a timely and perfectly coordinated manner.        

 

Summary

Safety on rooftops is always given the highest priority. And, this top priority starts with the installation of PV systems on the roof. This is why solar system installers should work jointly with a dependable partner for safety solutions from day one. Besides offering numerous advantages for solar system installer and client alike, this collaboration will also bestow a professional image to the solar system installer, allowing them to boost their revenue. The best thing to do is to contact our experts right away. They are available for an initial non-binding discussion and don't miss our tips on this topic.

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