What are ballast PV systems?

Modern construction has its own rules. Current trends in building design indicate that soaring roofs, attics or those that function as, for example, additional storage space for less frequently used or seasonal items are increasingly being abandoned. On the other hand, more spacious basements or dugouts known from past generations are coming back into favor, the great advantage of which is maintaining an optimal temperature at any time of the year.

The change in the approach to space planning translates into the frequency of using flat roofs in single-family homes. This type of roof is also often used in public buildings, office buildings or production halls. So what to choose if you want to install photovoltaics on such a building?

PV mounting systems for flat roofs

At Energy5, having noticed the first signs of market demand for photovoltaic structures for mounting on flat roofs, we have introduced dedicated PV mounts to our offer. These include:

• AERO S and AERO EW loaded with ballast (in classic and elevated versions),
• ekierka eco with the ballast,
• ekierka eco fixed mechanically,
• ekierka eco for mounting on a roof covered with a sandwich panels.

Ballast systems – what are their characteristics?

Ballast structures, as the name suggests, are installed on flat roofs by appropriately loading them. Depending on individual needs, customers can choose the product that will be most optimal for them.

Aerodynamic systems

AERO S structures (with modules facing south) and AERO EW (exposing modules to the east and west) are systems with an inclination angle of 10-15°. The streamlined shape of this PV solution significantly reduces wind resistance and stabilizes the structure, which translates into the possibility of reducing the required load. By permanently connecting subsequent rows of modules with trapezoidal rails, the PV installation takes the form of a characteristic “island”, thanks to which the weight of the structure is evenly distributed on the roof surface. Photovoltaics installed in this way do not create local overloads on the roof covering and are therefore recommended for buildings with roofs with low load-bearing capacity.

Eco Squarki with ballast

Ekierki eco, which take the form of “triangles”, allow for the installation of photovoltaic modules in both vertical and horizontal orientation. This type of system allows for obtaining an optimal angle of inclination of PV panels between 10 and 35° without the need to interfere with the roof covering. The structure works well on roofs with good load-bearing capacity and allows for maximum use of their surface. Freedom in configuring the row layout gives installers and investors the chance to bypass physical obstacles on roofs, such as air conditioners, chimneys, satellite dishes or skylights.

Proven technology, reliable quality

Since 2015 we have been dynamically developing the Polish and European renewable energy industry, offering our clients reliable, tested and, above all, safe systems for mounting photovoltaic modules. Discover the full Energy5 offer, where you will also find freestanding structures, systems for pitched roofs, façade systems or carports.

14.11.2024