What mounting systems are there and what should I bear in mind? Thanks to the different types of photovoltaic mounting, solar modules can be used almost universally.
A distinction must be made between pitched roofs and flat roofs:
For pitched roofs, the roof pitch should be between 20-60 degrees. The most common type of mounting for pitched roofs is on-roof mounting (e.g. from the company Ademotec), where the solar modules are attached above the roof tiles using roof hooks and rails. Roof hooks are used on tiled roofs. Depending on the type of tile, different roof hooks are used to connect the mounting rails, on which the modules are clamped, to the roof structure. The mounting rails serve as a suppport point for the photovoltaic modules. To ensure that the modules are securely fastened, the modules are fixed to the mounting rails using module clamps.
If the roof is covered with corrugated sheet metal or Eternit panels, long screws, known as hanger bolts, are used instead of roof hooks. These drill through the sheet metal and are then screwed to the rafters in the same way as the roof hooks. For trapezoidal sheets, short and compact rails are used, which are screwed directly onto the sheet metal.
If the roof has a pitch of 10 degrees or less, it is a flat roof that requires a different mounting system (e.g. from PMT). Flat roof systems also mount the modules at an angle of approx. 10-15 degrees. Flat roof systems are either completely south-facing or installed as east-west systems. South-facing systems achieve the highest annual yields. East-western systems instead generate electricity more evenly throughout the day. This means that the system yields can be better utilised for self-consumption. To prevent flat roof systems from shifting or lifting in strong winds, they are often weighted down with stones or gravel.
