Challenging roof landscape with PV system
Veratron AG, a global market leader in precision instruments and sensors, is investing in a sustainable future. By installing a 1.3 MWp photovoltaic system on the company roof in Rüthi (CH), the company is pursuing several goals at once: in addition to the long-term optimisation of energy costs, the focus is also on implementing the sustainability strategy.
Veratron commissioned the safety experts Merz + Egger AG, based in St. Gallen, with the safe installation and servicing of the PV system on the 11,000 m² roof. The particular challenge: a complex roofscape with seven different areas and 54 skylights required a well-thought-out safety solution which combines both technical feasibility and long-term ease of servicing.
As a long-standing partner, Merz + Egger AG was aware of the expertise, technical advisory skills, and consistent project support from INNOTECH in the case of complex safety requirements, and turned to the Swiss team based in Neuenhof.
This is how INNOTECH masters challenging roof landscapes.
- 1.3 MWp system
- 7 roofs
- 54 skylights
- 11,000 m² roof surface
The complexity of the project required a well-thought-out safety concept. For the seven different roof areas and 54 skylights, INNOTECH developed a customised combination of two proven systems: the BARRIER-VARIO guardrail system and the LIGHT-FLEX-SKYLIGHT PROTECTION NETS.
The BARRIER-VARIO system is installed with special ballast weights, which ensure a safe fall prevention (protection) system at the roof edge areas – entirely without roof penetrations. The pre-assembled construction with hook-in cross tubes and 12.5 kg lightweight ballast weights enables particularly efficient installation. The LIGHT-FLEX-SKYLIGHT PROTECTION NETS were used to secure the skylights, providing reliable fall-through protection.
The entire system does not require personal protective equipment against falls from a height (PPEaF) and enables cost-efficient installation by eliminating the need for a surrounding façade scaffold. The well-thought-out system combination ensures maximum safety with optimal use of space.
Efficient project implementation and technical integration
The installation of the safety systems was carried out in clearly defined phases, with the careful preparation of the roof surfaces by Merz + Egger AG being given the highest priority. After a thorough inspection of the roof and the replacement of defective surfaces, the installation of the safety systems could begin. In order not to overload the statics of the existing buildings, all surfaces were designed as bare roofs - an important prerequisite for the later integration of the PV system.
The team overcame the logistical challenge by precisely coordinating the delivery of materials by truck-mounted crane, since the roof statics did not allow for any material storage. This approach not only enabled optimal integration of the safety systems, but also created ideal conditions for all subsequent work steps. Close coordination between safety experts and PV installers ensured that the project ran smoothly.
Long-term economic efficiency and maximum roof safety
Veratron AG's decision to use the BARRIER-VARIO System has paid off for Veratron AG in several ways. The system is ideal for flat roofs and roofs with a low pitch (inclination) of up to three degrees – perfect for the building structure at the Rüthi site. The reduced maintenance requirements are particularly convincing: in contrast to conventional fall protection systems, a test is only required every two years.
The cost-effectiveness of the chosen solution also speaks for itself. Although the initial costs are higher than for classic anchor points or lifeline systems, the savings during operation more than compensate for this: universal accessibility for all trades and the avoidance of façade scaffolding during maintenance work significantly reduce operating costs. This is particularly noticeable during regular servicing of the PV system.
LIGHT-FLEX-SKYLIGHT Protection Net proved to be the ideal solution for securing the skylights at Veratron. Installation of the fall-through protection on the 54 smaller skylights was particularly time-saving. The system's adaptability is impressive: the nets can be individually adapted to the respective skylights, while the fastening technology enables uncomplicated installation. In particular, the tolerance of the material with different skylight geometries considerably speeds up the assembly process.
BARRIER-VARIO
Guardrail system with weights as superimposed load
The BARRIER-VARIO guardrail system is used wherever the fall edges of a flat roof up to a maximum pitch of 10° must be protected. The guardrail held in place by superimposed concrete weights creates a barrier around the fall-risk area, and ...
LIGHT-FLEX-SKYLIGHT PROTECTION NET
LIGHT skylight protection system
The LIGHT-FLEX skylight protection system from INNOTECH is a flexible, robust safety solution for many types of skylights, especially for longer light elements such as strip lights. Because it is a net, LIGHT-FLEX can be implemented in any ...
Conclusion: sustainable solution
The project at Veratron AG impressively demonstrates how modern fall protection systems optimally combine the requirements of safety and efficiency. The combination of the BARRIER-VARIO guardrail system and LIGHT-FLEX safety nets not only enables safe installation of the PV system, but also ensures efficient long-term maintenance work.
In particular, the well-thought-out integration of the safety systems without roof penetrations and the simplified access options for all maintenance crews emphasise the success of the project. The maintenance teams can safely reach all roof areas, while the PV system delivers its full performance.
The chosen combination of systems is now proving itself in daily use. By choosing INNOTECH systems, Merz + Egger AG has implemented a future-proof solution that optimally satisfies both the high safety requirements and the economic aspects.
