28.07.2022 | PV/flat roofs

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.

Selina Bauchinger
Selina Bauchinger
Selina Bauchinger

Selina Bauchinger

Following her apprenticeship as a design engineer, Selina Bauchinger spent one year abroad gaining professional experience before she returned to Austria and joined INNOTECH in 2018. Until the end of 2021 Ms Bauchinger was involved in project planing for solar power and photovoltaic customers of the family company from Upper Austria. Since the start of 2022 she has strengthened the INNOTECH product management team.

~ 9 min
Kirchham
1 Ratings

Specialist series: Absturzsicherung auf PV-Anlagen

01
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.

02

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.

03

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.

04

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.

05

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.

06

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.

07

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.

08

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.

09
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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.

10

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?

11

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.

12

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.

13

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.

14

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.

15

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...

16

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.

17

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.

18

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.

19

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.

20

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.

21

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.

22

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.

23

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.

24

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.

25

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.

26
Aerial photo of the Novotegra company building in Tübingen, with integrated PV system

Innovative project in Tübingen

The combination of Novotegra’s PV substructure with INNOTECH’s flexible fall protection systems provides significant added value for both fitters and end customers.

For professional planning of the fall protection for your PV system, you should consult experts.

Selina Bauchinger

Aside from being well aligned with the trend of the times, installing a photovoltaic system on your own roof is a smart investment in the future. Even more so given the current situation where energy prices for power and gas have sky-rocketed and continue to surge. 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.

 

Technical aspects to consider while planning solar installations

The planning of the fall protection system requires the consideration of a few technical aspects. Chief among these is the question of whether the roof is a pitched or a flat roof. This is significant because - in many cases - the type of roof also determines the substructure of the photovoltaic system. These prerequisites are, of course, also pivotal for the decision on the best-fitting safety system. The post detailed below is supposed to guide you through this complex subject matter and provide you with information and tips that will help you plan the fall protection system that fits the PV system on your roof best.

 

The key aspects for the planning of your PV system

You might consider the following points as a type of foundation for the start of your project “The PV system on my own roof”. They will teach you about the parameters that are instrumental to the decision for the right solar power plant and the matching fall protection system.

You need to answer the following questions if you want to plan your fall protection system professionally:

  • What is the location of the building project?

 

 

  • What type of roof structure is it?

 

  • Are there any existing safety systems on the roof? If so, which ones?

 

  • How large is the roof surface?

 

  • What type of access options are there? Are these options secured?

 

  • What type of obstacles / challenges are found on your roof?
    Examples would be: Parapet, chimney, skylights, air conditioners, and satellite dishes
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You cannot proceed with the planning until all of this data has been collected. Usually, a solar technician or solar engineer will only devise a concept for the photovoltaic systems on your roof and not for a fall protection system that matches it. If you wish to plan that system professionally as well, you need to know if it can be attached directly to the substructure of the PV installation or not. This is why our experts also require the exact specifications of the photovoltaic system itself. This is the only way to establish any interruptions in the progression of the modules and the bearing capacity of the fall protection system overall.

 

How do I come by this information?

If you require assistance in this matter, the experienced experts of our in-house and planning service staff will be at your disposal. This ensures that you will receive a dependable fall protection system that is tailored to the specific requirements of the solar installation you have planned for your roof. Better yet, you can also view our efficient tool for planning a fall protection system, INNO|plan, at any time. This tool is very useful as well. We must advise you against resorting to an improvised solution as the legal regulations stipulate very specific requirements on securing places of work.

Once fitted with solar panels, your roof is turned into a place of work as well as it will require continuous cleaning and maintenance. However, a professional fall protection system is not only advisable on the grounds of preventing any liability in an emergency. Ultimately, a fall protection system also ensures that the solar power plant on your roof will always produce the maximum output. The comprehensive planning of a professional fall protection system to complement your PV system is key when it comes to preventing any shadow casting which may dramatically reduce the efficiency of solar systems.

 

What do we need for completing the planning?

Not much! The information you have established with the help of the check list given above is all we need to prepare a professional and comprehensive safety concept for solar installations on your roof. This also comprises the best-fitting fall protection system - no matter if composed of a rail or lifeline system. The greater the detail of the information the better and more expedient the planning by our experts – which is a decisive asset when you are struggling with time constraints.

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About the general procedure

You start off by contacting one of our experts to schedule an appointment. You are welcome to make the arrangement by phone or email. This will set off an exceedingly fast process ...

  • Review of the documents in the back office
  • Project is created in the in-house CRM system
  • Planning of fall protection system and safety concept
  • Preparation of a quote (material including custom material, if requested)

 

Once you have accepted the quote, we will process your order in house and draw up your individual installation plan. Our warehouse will make all preparations necessary for shipping, ensuring that your order including delivery note will generally be dispatched to the desired address after 3 - 5 business days. Once received at your location, the INNOTECH material will be installed on your PV system by a certified person or the solar technician of your choice. Following the completion of its installation, the system is subjected to an inspection by the installer, which will automatically be documented end to end using the Web app INNO|doc. Our tool will also regularly remind you to conduct the mandatory annual inspection of the fall protection system installed for your PV system. With all these steps completed, nothing will stand in the way of your own solar power production!

 

Summary

You should always trust experts to complete the planning of the fall protection system for your PV system. With our planning service you can rest assured that your safety concept will be in perfect compliance with all applicable legal regulations and that your photovoltaic system will always deliver maximum output. To complete the planning, we require:

  • Your request for a consultation
  • All information about your roof and the planned photovoltaic system including substructure
  • If necessary, an inspection of the conditions on site
  • Your order

 

That is all we need to mount the fall protection system that will complement the PV system on your roof and that will allow you to enjoy sustainable solar electricity! It is best to contact our expert right away and arrange a consultation appointment for your fall protection for PV systems on the roof. 

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Keywords

Personal protective equipment Rail safety system Lifeline System Basic Knowledge Concepts Planning framework

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