Planners must account for the loads acting on a solar installation and factor them into their calculations. But extreme weather events can’t always be predicted in advance. To address this, K2 Systems has developed a solution that helps prevent excessive loads from stressing the roof.
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The mounting system provider has developed a warning system that triggers an alarm if the roof load becomes too high. The K2 Buddy is integrated directly into the mounting structure and includes a small weigh scale that transmits data to an app. This allows the system operator to monitor rooftop loads at any time. If the weight reaches a critical level, they can arrange for the snow to be cleared. In this way, the monitoring system helps protect both the photovoltaic modules and the roof from overloading.
Live data from the Buddy
Until now, the monitoring system was used primarily to provide added protection on flat roofs. It’s now also available to planners and installers working with pitched roofs featuring tiled cladding. At the heart of the K2 Buddy are sensors installed beneath one of the modules, continuously measuring the snow load. System operators can access the data digitally and in real time via the K2 Buddy app.
Protecting solar plants in extreme weather
The user interface gives both installers and system owners precise information about current conditions on the modules. If load levels become too high, the app sends a push notification prompting action. Installers simply need access to the K2 monitoring system. Once connected, they receive live data from all the Buddies linked to systems under their maintenance and monitoring contracts.
Avoid critical loads
This reduces the need for unnecessary roof inspections, minimises snow clearing efforts, and helps avoid extra costs. “Or think of the increasing tendency to use even larger modules, which also have a lower load limit,” says Nadine Wade, Product Manager at K2 Systems. “This can become critical more quickly, which is why a monitoring system provides security in these cases.”
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Alongside the live display, the app also offers a historical view, recording snow loads on the modules over recent months. Installers and system operators can choose whether to receive notifications by push message, email or both.
Suitable up to 45 degrees
With just a few additional components, the K2 Buddy can now also be installed on roof pitches of 15 to 45 degrees and a rafter spacing of 55 centimetres to 1.20 metres in combination with the K2 Singlehook 3S roof hook and the K2 Singlerail 36. “By extending the K2 Buddy to tiled roofs, we are offering customers more flexibility and safety when installing photovoltaic systems,” says Katharina David, CEO of K2 Systems. “Our aim is to maximise the durability and efficiency of the systems while minimising maintenance costs.”
The K2 Buddy can be planned directly in the K2 Base design software. The data can also be exchanged automatically between the planning tool and the app. If the system owner has a Buddy integrated into their generator, they can be sure that the modules and roof will not be damaged, even in snowy regions. K2 Systems also extends the warranty period for the mounting system to 20 years if the Buddy has been professionally installed.
Find out what to look out for during planning and installation in the interview with Nadine Wade in the second part of our series on the mounting of solar installations on roofs. (su)
