Photovoltaic systems are exposed to wind and weather every day. Winter is particularly demanding on the material, as heavy snow loads increase the pressure on panels, substructures, and roofs. How can you prevent damage?
Our photovoltaic systems must be well equipped for snowy winter days. Whether on the roof or in open spaces, precipitation lands on the modules. Snow is particularly challenging. The beautiful white stuff that brings us so much joy in winter can be quite heavy when it settles on solar panels.
Although statistically speaking, the number of days with snowfall is decreasing in our region, winters like that of 2010 show that snow loads are important factors in the planning of sustainable systems. By snow load, we mean the effect of snow on a building or structure.
Why are snow loads so dangerous for photovoltaic systems?
Heavy snow masses exert enormous pressure on the modules, the mountings, and the roof. On sloping roofs, icy snow slabs and roof avalanches can pose a danger to people, animals, and equipment located around the building. Especially on flat roofs, where snow cannot slide off, it poses a risk to the roof strength and stability of the building. One cubic meter of fresh snow can weigh between 30 and 50 kg. If the snow is already compacted or even wet, 300 kg per cubic meter is not unusual. If layers of snow have already turned into ice sheets, even an apparently small blanket of snow can develop enormous weight. The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance explains how homeowners can protect their roofs and buildings from snow loads.
Snow loads pressing down on a photovoltaic system can cause mechanical damage. Snow loads can cause microcracks in glass-foil modules, which impair both the performance and service life of the modules. In view of current market developments and the increasing use of glass-glass modules, special requirements are placed on the substructure due to their higher dead weight and lower load-bearing capacity. High-quality, structurally optimized installation is crucial to reduce mechanical stress, prevent module breakage, and ensure long-term system safety.
The particular challenges in snowy regions
Heavy snowfall is not uncommon, especially in southern Germany and the Alpine regions. The additional weight that can be placed on a system in winter must be included in the calculation of the total roof load. Modules and substructures designed for high snow loads should be used here in order to prevent damage. If this is not taken into account when planning a system, the resulting pressure can, in the worst case, cause the roof to collapse.
PMT – Your partner for safe and durable photovoltaic systems
As specialists in mounting systems, we offer tailor-made solutions for every roof shape – with a particular focus on potential snow loads and the load-bearing capacity of the modules used. Our PMT X118 andPMT EVO GREEN substructuresPMT EVO GREEN designed for all wind and snow load zones found in Europe.
In thePMT EVO GREEN system, the new cross-brace connection, which can also be used flexibly in the upper position,PMT EVO GREEN increased load-bearing capacity of the modules. In the PMT X118 system, the load is optimally transferred to the module by the central clamping, which also significantly increases its load-bearing capacity.
The high quality and reliability of our components is confirmed by the general building approval of our systems. In addition, we underline our quality promise to our customers with a 15-year warranty.
