Buildings have great, often untapped, potential for on-site energy generation through the use of photovoltaics. Whereas the rooftop surfaces of many industrial and commercial buildings are already covered with solar panels or cannot bear any additional loads, the facades of those buildings are often still unused. They make a valuable contribution to electricity production, especially during winter months when the sun’s low position in the sky allows sunlight to hit those vertical surfaces much more directly. SFS taps into this potential with SnapSolar® – an assembly solution that is specially designed to meet the requirements of PV systems on building envelopes.
When Facades Become Energy Sources
SnapSolar® is a modular mounting solution from SFS that enables the quick, cost-effective installation of photovoltaic systems on different building envelopes. This system was used to install a PV system measuring around 500 m2 on a sandwich panel facade in Kløfta, Norway. The SFS Group provided end-to-end customer support – from planning to implementation.
The modular system is suitable for various BAPV (building-applied photovoltaics) applications, i.e. PV systems that are installed on top of or on the side of buildings. It is particularly suitable for trapezoidal sheet metal, concrete and sandwich panels. Our proprietary software helps customers plan these systems: Based on the project data and regional wind loads, it calculates the appropriate design and indicates the necessary components and quantities for assembly. The software automatically generates the corresponding parts list and all relevant documents, making planning even easier, faster and more precise for customers.
A Solution for Challenging Sandwich Panels
A project in Kløfta (Norway) shows just how flexible SnapSolar® can be. SFS equipped a commercial building with the right fastening solutions for the 500 m2 solar facade system to reduce electricity costs and make the energy supply more sustainable.
The challenge was finding a reliable fastening solution for the existing sandwich panel facade. The requirements: it should be suitable for this specific application, able to withstand the weight of the PV system and have the necessary technical documents and certificates. Quick and uncomplicated assembly was another priority.
Proven Partnership Continues
Our customer, Bluetec AS, was already familiar with our expertise, having experienced the impressive performance of our SnapSolar® solution on a previous project. For Bluetec project manager Harald Kristensen, that made the decision to choose SFS again an easy one: “With SnapSolar®, PV assembly has never been easier.”
For the project in Kløfta, we used the SnapSolar® long-rail system, an extended support rail for large-scale facade installations. The system consists of eight individual components that are used together with CX screws (self-drilling screws), which we developed specifically for fastening solar assembly systems to sandwich panels. The solar panels are mounted on aluminum rails, which are the system’s key component. SFS’s system solution could be cut to the required lengths directly on site, making it possible to flexibly adapt it to the building’s specific conditions.
Support Beyond the Product
The SFS Group supported Bluetec AS throughout the entire project – from technical consulting and training to quantity take-offs and on-site installation support. This close support was just as crucial to the project’s success as selecting the right fastening solution. Together with Bluetec AS, we ensured that SnapSolar® was optimally tailored to the project’s requirements through precise planning, provision of the required technical documents and close, constructive dialog.
Fast, Simple and Economical
SnapSolar enabled a straightforward installation that took just under two weeks in total. It not only helped us reduce the time and effort required for assembly, but also cut costs.
With it, we have transformed a challenging task into a fastening solution that has proven its value in real-world applications. The project in Kløfta shows how SFS is using SnapSolar® to tap building envelopes as a new energy source. At the same time, the system offers real solutions for tackling existing structural challenges. By combining a modular assembly system, digital planning, and technical advice, SFS creates tangible added value for its customers by enabling the efficient and cost-effective implementation of photovoltaic projects.
