Sleek and lightweight: Centrosolar presents a new, aerodynamic flat roof mounting system for photovoltaic modules at the Solar Power UK trade fair. This system enables photovoltaic systems to be installed on flat roofs with minimum weight load and without damaging the roof cladding. Solar Power UK will take place from the 26th to the 28th of October 2011 at the ICC in Birmingham.
The new Centrosolar mounting system is the ideal solution for flat roofs, which are capable of supporting only a small additional weight load for a photovoltaic system. Depending on the location, the system has a weight per unit area of less than 10 kilograms per square meter and is thus significantly lighter than conventional mounting systems. It can be installed on all flat foil roofs at an angle of up to three degrees, without damaging the roof cladding in the process.
A unique feature of the system is its clever mounting technique: The substructure is mounted on the roof by means of a combination of ballasting and welding with the roof membrane. As part of this process, the welding absorbs the horizontal wind pressure. This significantly reduces the ballasting required, which only has to absorb the vertical wind pressure. A weight per unit area of well below 10 kilograms per square meter can be achieved without compromising stability. If friction welding is not possible, for example, in the case of aged foils or bitumen roofs, ballasting alone can be used.
The substructure of the systems is made of 100% polypropylene (PP) and is shaped like an elongated triangle: The lower side rests on the roof and the upper side is elevated at an angle of 15 degrees. A wind deflector on the rear side seals the system and reduces the suction force of the wind on the system. The module is mounted with horizontally placed mounting bars. Longitudinal connectors are not required for the installation to ensure that rain water can drain freely. The row spacing can be adjusted by removing row connectors. This also simplifies the integration on roofs with existing superstructures or lightning protection systems. All Centrosolar crystalline modules, as well as conventional module types of other manufacturers, can be installed with the new mounting system.
