How to install solar thermal tube collectors on pitched flat roofs without penetrating the roof cladding?

Residential building
Altenburg I Germany

Introduction

In the historic town of Altenburg, Germany, known for its rich history and the invention of the card game Skat, a residential building required the installation of solar thermal tube collectors on its flat roof. The project was undertaken in collaboration with Walraven Group, with Andreas Strobel and Thomas Geissler leading the planning and execution phases. The primary challenge was installing the collectors without penetrating the roof cladding while compensating for the roof’s pitch.

Challenges

The client approached Walraven Group due to the complexity of the installation. The roof had a seven-degree pitch, and ensuring that the structure was positioned precisely on the load-bearing roof ribs was crucial. Additionally, the installation needed to minimise wind exposure and accommodate sufficient ballast without projecting too far over the roof edge.

Solution – How Did We Meet the Challenge?

Walraven Group provides comprehensive technical consulting and planning services. The solution involved using the Walraven Yeti® 480 mounting feet, which can compensate for roof pitches up to seven degrees and support compressive loads up to 20,000 newtons. This system ensured that the roof cladding remained intact and the load was optimally distributed.

• Technical Services Used: Engineering, structural calculations, and on-site consulting.
• Product Used: Walraven Yeti® 480 system for flexibility and load-bearing capacity.
• Organisation: The project involved precise planning to ensure the structure’s height and positioning met all specifications, with support from a structural engineer.

The system’s components, including the Walraven BIS UltraProtect®1000 surface protection, provided increased corrosion protection and durability. The injection-moulded parts, made from recycled materials, were weather—and UV-resistant, allowing easy installation and dismantling without damaging the building fabric.

Additional Technical Details:

• Sound Reduction: The SG-Bauakustik Institute determined the impact of sound reduction in accordance with DIN EN ISO 10140-1 and DIN EN ISO 10140-3, certifying a sound reduction of up to 31 dB(A).
• Load Distribution: The mounting system was designed to withstand local wind and snow loads, ensuring stability and safety under various environmental conditions.
• Modular Design: The modular system’s components can be easily extended as required, making it future-proof and adaptable to different project needs.

Andreas Strobel, Walraven project manager, provided comprehensive advice on-site and in numerous preliminary discussions. The Walraven application engineering colleagues provided support with technical designs in the form of drawings, parts lists, and preliminary structural calculations.

Learn more about our Walraven Rooftop Solutions  and Walraven Solar Panels Solutions

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