Substructure for photovoltaics

The substructure for photovoltaic equipment forms the foundation for the safe and efficient installation of solar panels to convert sunlight into electrical energy. It includes a large number of systems which make it possible to install and attach photovoltaic modules to various substructures such as roofs, facades and open surfaces.

Most recently, PV systems have been mounted predominantly on roofs. Perfect alignment using the appropriate accessories - i.e. the best possible substructure - provides an ideal solution for achieving maximum performance and safety.

The importance of the substructure

The substructure for photovoltaic equipment plays a decisive role in the efficiency and long working life of the equipment. It not only provides a stable platform for attaching the PV modules, but selected substructures also act as a “foundation” for fall protection systems. They can therefore take on an important role in the safety of the installers.

For example, hooked attachments tend to be used on smaller PV installations. For larger systems, the preference is for a rail substructure. Under certain conditions and with the appropriate components, these can also be used for mounting a legally prescribed fall protection system.

Systems and variants

The substructure systems for photovoltaic installations are selected according to the type of foundation and the specific requirements of the project. Current variants include:

- Roof-mounted systems for pitched and flat roofs

- Open-space installation systems for installation on open areas

- Facade installation systems for attachment to building facades

- Special solutions for particular requirements

Here, mounting solar modules on roofs and facades must generally overcome the challenge of providing sufficient stability while not over-stressing the foundation. Before attaching solar modules, a professional, expert assessment such as a statics calculation for the roof, is an absolute must.

Features and characteristics

From the middle clamp to the end clamp, to the PV installation rail: The substructure systems for photovoltaic equipment are characterised by various properties which ensure an efficient installation, great stability and reliable operation. These include:

- Robust materials such as aluminium and stainless steel, which provide great resistance to environmental effects

- Modularity and flexibility, for adaptability to various site and installation conditions

- Integrated solutions for laying cables and avoiding shading, in order to optimise equipment efficiency, and for fall protection, in order to protect specialist personnel as required by law during servicing and repair

- Certification as per national and international standards which ensure the safety and quality of the substructure systems

Current manufacturers of substructures for photovoltaic systems

The market for substructures for photovoltaic systems includes numerous manufacturers who provide high-quality and innovative solutions. The leading manufacturers in this area include:

1.  AEROCOMPACT is a renowned manufacturer of installation systems for solar equipment. The company offers a broad range of roof-mounted and open-space installation systems which are characterised by their robustness, flexibility and simplicity of installation.

2.  K2 Systems provides installation solutions for photovoltaic systems worldwide. The company offers numerous installation systems for pitched and flat roofs, as well as for open-surface systems. K2 Systems products convince through their high quality, long working life and simplicity of handling

3.  novotegra is a specialist in the development and production of installation systems for photovoltaic equipment. The company offers an extensive product range of roof-mounted, facade and open-space installation systems which are characterised by their innovative technology and their great adaptability.

These manufacturers are just some examples of the variety and quality of the substructures available on the market. When selecting a suitable system, it is important to take the specific project requirements into account, and to decide on a manufacturer who provides high-quality products, professional advice and reliable customer service.

INNOTECH fall protection systems can be installed on selected products from these three manufacturers. Find out more about this on the industry solutions page “Flat roof photovoltaics”

Safe assembly and installation

The assembly and installation of the substructure for photovoltaic systems requires specialist knowledge and experience in the area of solar technology. As a rule, solar modules are installed by qualified experts, taking into account the local building regulations and safety standards.

During installation, the individual components of the substructure are connected together as per the manufacturer's specifications and installation instructions, and are securely fastened. In order to ensure the optimum exploitation of the solar radiation, aspects such as the optimum alignment of the PV solar modules, the inclination angles, and the distances between the rows of modules are taken into consideration.

Summary

The substructure for a photovoltaic system creates the backbone of every solar installation and plays a decisive role in its efficiency, safety and sustainability. By selecting high-quality materials and an expert installation with an integrated fall protection system, PV systems can achieve long-term sustainability and be operated efficiently, thus making a contribution to the global energy revolution and to climate protection.