Fixing system for rooftop solar panels
A fixing solution for rooftop solar panels that protects a roof’s warranty as well as preventing structural damage has been developed by MSA Safety.
To date, contractors have tended to push support posts through the roof, and connected them with the building structure below, or have held them in place with concrete counterweights. The Latchways Solar Panel Support Posts, by contrast, are ‘top-fixed’ to the roofing system and avoid the various drawbacks of using concrete blocks.
“Concrete weights look unsightly and impede the run-off of water,” engineering manager for the Latchways range Andrew Pass said. “That can cause ponding and subsequent build-up of algae. They also over-compress the supporting insulation, which can lead to damage and leakage, and they can be prone to slippage which results in misalignment of the panels. What’s more, leading manufacturers will generally require the insertion of an additional insulating layer between the weight and the membrane, which adds significantly to the project cost.”
Suitable for both new-build and retrofit projects, Latchways Solar Panel Support Posts offer around 70 variations covering more than 400 different roofing systems worldwide.
