PV systems for snow-heavy regions

Green electricity even in winter

Photovoltaic systems are also installed in regions that experience heavy snowfall. But how can stability and energy production be guaranteed when the photovoltaic system is covered by a layer of snow?

The weight of the snow can exert considerable pressure on the solar modules and roof structures. Therefore, mounting systems for PV installations in regions with high snow loads must be designed to withstand the impact of wind and snow on the PV modules and keep them permanently secure.

novotegra offers robust systems for both flat and pitched roofs to meet the conditions in winter.

PV systems for pitched roofs

Insertion system with snow stop

For pitched roofs in areas with heavy snowfall, we have developed the insertion system with integrated snow stop, which is designed for snow loads of up to 7,200 N/m². Thanks to the insertion rail, which is equipped with a fin, the system significantly reduces the risk of roof avalanches. In addition, the module frame is protected against damage from sliding snow.

Quick and easy to mount

No additional installation steps are required to mount the insertion rail with snow stop, so the system is just as quick to install as our other insertion systems.

Creates a visually appealing solution

This insertion system also impresses with its high-quality appearance, because the snow stop solution is harmoniously integrated into the overall system. In addition, all components are available in black anodised - for a particularly aesthetic look.

Datasheet

Articles of the insertion system snow stop

The insertion rail with integrated snow stop is available in blank and black in frame heights of 30 and 35 mm.

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Rail connector set for extending the insertion rail

Article number: 03-000471

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Edge stop set for a visually appealing rail finish

Article number: 03-000732

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Installed between the insertion rails of a module row as a module support or additional support

Article number: 03-001442

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Insertion rail with snow stop


Top-fix hooks for tile roofs

Two are better than one

On tiled roofs with high snow loads, the double variants of our top-fix roof hooks are used. The double bracket and the resulting double centric load distribution make the substructure considerably more stable and can carry approx. 1.5 times the weight of the single roof hooks.

More about top-fix roof hooks

 

Double roof hook with C-rail and end clamp

Double roof hooks

for mounting of C-rails at high loads

Article number:

ZD 30 M12: 03-000255

ZD 40 M12: 03-000257

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optimised for narrow rafters and high loads

Article numbers: 

 flex 30 M10: 03-001150

flex 40 M10: 03-001152

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for all common tiles with an overlap of 120 mm, depending on the tile up to 135 mm

Article numbers: 

ZD 30 M12 long: 03-001724

ZD 40 M12 long: 03-001726

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for mounting C-rails under high loads on beaver tail tiles

Article number: 03-000267

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Mounting the double roof hook ZD


Note the mounting direction

In regions with frequent snowfall, it is generally recommended to mount modules in portrait. The reason for this lies in the way the modules work: they are divided in two horizontally – with a separate string line in each half. This means that if snow lies on the lower half of a module mounted in portrait, half the power is still generated. A module mounted in landscape would be of no use in this case.

More about portrait and landscape mounting

 


PV systems for flat roofs

Flat roof system II

For installations on flat roofs, we offer two options to ensure high stability under heavy snow loads. The flat roof system East-West II can be reinforced with the 2S module support. The support clicks into the base trough and its double web ensures optimal load distribution and increased load-bearing capacity.

There is also the option of installing a third base trough to clamp the modules at six points. This supports the modules in the centre so that they can withstand maximum snow loads.

The combination of the 2S module support and the third base trough creates the most stable novotegra flat roof system for the highest snow loads.

More about the system

 

Additional articles flat roof system II

Two-part module support for clicking into the base trough

Article number: 03-001325

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Module support east-west double

Flat roof system II with third base trough


Determining snow loads

High snow and wind loads require more mounting material, which in turn leads to higher costs. However, if the loads at the installation site are underestimated, there is a risk of damage to the system.

Solar-Planit determines these loads on the basis of Eurocode 1, which regulates the effects on structures. The Eurocodes are fundamental European standards that are to be used as standardised design rules in the construction industry and in structural engineering.

The amount of snow load depends on the snow load zone, which forms the basic value of the snow load. This basic value then provides the snow load relevant for the design, depending on other parameters such as the altitude of the plant location or the roof pitch of the building.

The snow load on the roof is influenced by the following according to DIN EN 1991-1-3:

  1. µ shape coefficient: The shape coefficient takes into account the sliding of the snow depending on the roof pitch.
  2. Ce exposition coefficient: The exposition coefficient ce takes into account increased snow loads in sheltered locations or lower loads in wind-exposed locations where more snow is expected to be blown down.

Solar-Planit

Determining the applicable load values is a complex matter, which is why software-based calculation of wind and snow loads is indispensable here. Solar-Planit automatically calculates the snow and wind loads for over 20 European countries at the push of a button, based on the address of the plant's location.


A frosty challenge?

Start your project with novotegra

Even in snowy and icy conditions, our mounting systems help you to master every PV project!

Discover all components in the BayWa r.e. webshop now.

Are you planning your first novotegra system? Then learn from our experts during a free initial mounting support session.

 

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