"Less material per kilowatt of power and less component diversity for the same range of solutions" – this is how Schletter Group CEO Florian Roos summarizes the innovations that the company will be presenting at this year's Intersolar. In recent years, the globally active mounting system manufacturer has consistently optimized its product portfolio according to these aspects and further developed it based on the modular principle.
Pitched roof system Schletter ProLine: Introduction goes into the next phase
The Schletter Group is taking another decisive step with the introduction of the new Schletter ProLine pitched roof system. For example, the company is introducing a newly developed multi-adapter. This means that the profiles of the new ProLine series can now also be mounted on the standard Schletter roof hooks and vice versa. Depending on the requirements, the adapter is rotated 180 degrees for this purpose. "With the multi-adapter, 'old' and 'new' can be combined as desired," emphasizes chief developer and CTO Dr.-Ing. Cedrik Zapfe. "This is how we make it as easy as possible for end customers and our wholesale partners to switch to our new and best ProLine pitched roof system."
On the other hand, a new cross-rail connector closes last gaps in the application range of the Schletter ProLine. This means that the ProLine system can now be used to plan the structurally best possible construction for every pitched roof in the cross-rail system. Mounting in horizontal format or frameless modules is also possible. "The new cross-rail connector makes the ProLine a fully-fledged complete system that can be used to cover all types of pitched roofs," emphasizes Zapfe. Since the SingleFix trapezoidal sheet mounting system is also compatible with the ProLine profiles, the ProLine now covers virtually all roof application areas – whether tiled, industrial or commercial roofs.
Launched in March 2021, the new pitched roof system Schletter ProLine is lighter and at the same time stronger than its predecessor. This is achieved by new profile geometries and connecting elements that enable higher strength while using less material. Another advantage of the system is the ease of installation. The base plate of the roof hooks only needs to be fixed to the rafters with a Torx T40 plate head screw. The roof hooks are clicked into place without tools. In addition to the new multi-adapter and the cross-rail connector, new seam clamps for elbow seam roofs and statically upgraded roof hooks made of aluminium and steel expand the ProLine range.
Less ballast, more flexibility on flat roofs – the enhanced FixGrid Pro
The Schletter Group has also upgraded its successful FixGrid 18 flat roof system. The main focus was on ballast optimization through better aerodynamics. For example, with the optimized FixGrid Pro in east-west orientation, the maintenance aisle is not located between the lower edges as before, but rather the upper edges of the angled modules. "Our wind tunnel tests have shown clear aerodynamic advantages resulting from this, which can save up to 10 percent ballast," explains Zapfe. "It also makes mounting the modules and wiring them much easier."
In addition, the Schletter developers have further optimized the system according to modular logic, making planning and installation more flexible and faster. Instead of different module supports depending on the angle of inclination, module size or type of configuration (upright or horizontal), all variants can now be realized with just a few universally applicable components. "Our new FixGrid Pro always allows an optimal support and clamping position for the module – no matter what the angle or size," Zapfe emphasizes. "Visitors will see all the capabilities and components of the new FixGrid Pro at our booth."
Optimized open-area systems and trackers
The Schletter Group will also be showcasing its open-area systems at Intersolar. This includes, for example, the latest version of the Schletter Tracker, which, thanks to its mechanical self-locking capacity, is as stable as a fixed installation system. The latest generation of the FS Gen 3 fixed installation system will also be presented. The system uses less material per kilowatt of installed power than its predecessor – with the same or even higher load-bearing capacity.
Also interesting: Schletter Group realizes challenging installation in Andalusia
All Schletter open-area systems have been optimized with regard to the requirements of the market. This means that all systems can be fitted with bifacial modules for optimized yield. In addition, they have been adapted so that the latest large-format modules can also be installed on them, in both horizontal and vertical configurations. These are complemented by new coatings that further extend the service life of the mounting systems. (mfo)
