Dutch company introduces new solar mounting system

The Dutch company Rable has developed a solar mounting system called Rable4Roofs, specifically designed for flat roofs that cannot support heavy loads or have class B insulation. This system is especially useful for over half of commercial and industrial buildings in France.

System uses galvanized steel and offers long-term warranty

Rable4Roofs is built from a lattice structure made of galvanized steel sourced from Belgium and comes with a 15-year warranty against corrosion. It is self-supporting and allows for efficient solar installation on fragile roofs, parking lots, and roofs with class B insulation, typically oriented east-west.

Innovation in anchoring points reduces installation complexity

According to Mevanly Karamoko, a commercial engineer at Rable, the system requires 95% fewer anchoring points than traditional fixing systems, which is considered a major technological advancement. This makes the installation process faster and less disruptive.

Patented system avoids roof renovation and ensures waterproofing

The patented system, which has an ETN (European Technical Approval) valid until 2028, can be installed on flat or slightly inclined roofs without compromising waterproofing. It eliminates the need for costly roof renovations, which can reach up to 125 € per square meter in some cases.

System uses compression and tension elements for stability

The stability of the system is based on a structural design that combines compression elements from the load-bearing structure with tension elements from cables under tension, forming a rigid frame. This allows the system to absorb and distribute loads from wind, snow, and other climatic factors.

Lightweight design reduces load on roof structures

The system's total weight is supported by purlins rather than roof slabs, achieving load descents between 6 and 14-15 kg per square meter. This is significantly lighter than traditional systems, which can weigh double or triple as much.

Solar panels are mounted for alignment and ventilation

Photovoltaic modules are fixed on dedicated rails that ensure proper alignment, mechanical strength, and natural ventilation. These rails also help with rainwater runoff. The system uses rubber granulate cushions to transfer point loads to the roof, with pressure depending on the allowable load, starting from 3 kPa.

Installation is quick and efficient

The system arrives on-site pre-assembled, and according to Karamoko, two installers can install 275 solar panels in just two and a half hours. After 30 months of operation, Rable has completed 60 photovoltaic projects, ranging from 50 to 5,000 solar panels.

Successful projects highlight system's capabilities

Notable projects include two power plants in France, such as a 260 kWc installation in Saône-et-Loire for a supermarket with a fragile roof and class B insulation. The system achieved a load descent of 13.7 kg/m² and a Capex saving of 0.15 €/Wc.

Company aims to expand in France with new regulations

Rable plans to complete its first ten installations in France by December. The tertiary decree, a new regulation related to energy efficiency, is expected to be a significant driver for sales in the coming years.