More and more manufacturers of photovoltaic modules have been introducing larger panels with different widths, lengths, thicknesses and number of photovoltaic cells. This is due to innovation in cell sizes, among other factors. Just to give you an idea, in 2005 the wafer measured 125 mm, today there are wafers measuring 210 mm. As a result, companies in the photovoltaic industry need to adapt to keep up with the latest developments and offer compatible equipment.
These companies include those that manufacture fixing structures. Over the years, they have constantly updated themselves to provide solutions that offer safety and efficiency for the installation of roof systems on Brazilian properties. To this end, they invest in initiatives to develop and produce equipment that meets the needs of the photovoltaic market.
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Pablo Larrieux, marketing director at Solar Group, explains that the continuous demand for products that keep up with changes in the photovoltaic market requires companies to invest increasingly in R&D (Research and Development), among other factors.
“Investment in R&D is essential, as the market is constantly evolving. In addition to changes in the market, Solar Group considers the opinion of integrators and installers, which is the starting point for designing products that increasingly meet market demands in an appropriate and functional way”, he highlights.
Larrieux also explains how the photovoltaic structure manufacturer has been operating in the market to keep up with changes in panel sizes. “For the fixing structures, larger modules require two basic changes: the length of the profiles and the number of fasteners needed to support the structure. Regarding the first point, Solar Group makes profiles available to the market in the length needed to support these new modules. Regarding the fasteners, the R&D area is carrying out technical work, updating the tables of distances at which the fasteners must be placed to ensure the safety of the installation.”
But what happens when a customer replaces small panels with larger ones? Can the structure be reused? “A structure built using an excellent process and quality raw materials has a useful life of at least 20 years. If this is the case, there is no problem in reusing the existing structures,” says Larrieux.
“However, due to the different dimensions of the panels, it will most likely be necessary to adapt the structures to support the new modules, both in terms of the length of the profiles and the number of fasteners. Another important point that also needs to be considered is whether the roof structure can handle the additional load that the panels generate”, he adds.
