Tracking and fixed solar mounting systems Wherever the sun is shining
Your customized energy centre The efficiency of solar panels is highly dependent on the THE UNIQUE PROPERTIES mounting system in which they are employed and it was with this in mind that Van der Valk Solar Systems decided to specialize entirely in this area. The results of this can be seen in the systems on offer, which vary a great deal in terms of sustainability and ease of assembly, for example. These systems also vary with regard to use and functionality. Whether this involves a stationary system on the roof of your company premises or a tracker system located in open fields Van der Valk Solar Systems offers you a customized energy centre, wherever the sun is shining. Our mounting systems have four areas of application: pitched roofs, open fields, flat roofs and greenhouses. The different fixed and moving systems (trackers) for these categories have very many properties in common. Modular construction The mounting systems from Van der Valk Solar Systems are constructed in units and can therefore be completely attuned to your specific needs (available surface, maximum roof load etc.). What is more, the well thought-out design, the use of light materials and the pre-assembly of essential components, all ensure that these systems are quick and easy to assemble on-site. Adjustable angle of inclination Van der Valk Solar Systems has a unique production machine which makes it possible to manufacture the aluminum support rods in a customized manner. Our mounting systems can therefore be placed at any angle of inclination required. The importance of sustainability Your investment is accompanied by a predicted return and this is one aspect that you must be able to rely on. The mounting systems of Van der Valk Solar Systems are constructed using only sustainable materials, such as anodized aluminum, galvanized and coated steel and stainless steel adhesive components. Reliability and operational safety In order to guarantee the durability of our installations, our systems have undergone exhaustive tests using what is known as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. These tests expose the unit to airflows and turbulence in different situations that are the equivalent of wind force 12 Beaufort. Our mounting systems are also tested by TÜV Rheinland. The SolarTop arithmetic program has been developed in collaboration with the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). Based upon a number of variables (geometry, maximum wind load in accordance with local standards, the type of ground etc.), this program enables all factors that have an influence on the reliability and operational safety of the system to be taken into consideration, including the required strength of the construction, the optimum number of relays and the most cost-effective type of foundation. Suitable for any type of solar panel Our mounting systems are fitted with clever assembly clasps, meaning that both panels with frames and panels without frames (laminate) can be installed quickly and soundly. Due to the universal clasp system, the systems are suitable for any make of solar panel. You are therefore free to select your own panel supplier. Rapid delivery Van der Valk Solar Systems utilizes the extensive technological know-how and the modern machinery of its sister company Van der Valk Systemen (see page 8). Due to the high production capacity and the large stock of raw materials, large projects can be delivered quickly. 2
Mounting systems for pitched roofs A visible solar panel system Roof loads and wind load are significant points to focus upon when developing mounting systems for roofs. When this concerns roofs of homes, however another important point should also be taken into consideration and that is the fact that a meticulous finish is required. Most roofs of houses are visible to everybody. In the case of a pitched roof system of Van der Valk Solar Systems, high-quality components are used, which ensure that these are attached securely and give the solar panels a sleek appearance. Add the sustainability of the components into the equation and the installation forms a valuable addition to every home. Pitched roofs Van der Valk Fixed Pitched Roof System The Van der Valk Fixed Pitched Roof System is a universal system that is suitable for almost all pitched roofs and for any type of solar panel. The system can be used at all times and can also generally be used in any situation. The most important components are crossbars, fastening braces and special assembly clasps, meaning that the system excels in terms of simplicity and is also quick and easy to assemble. The smart and unique assembly clasps ensure that the crossbars can be fixed simply and quickly to, for example, roof hooks, slate hooks or stick screws. Next, the solar panels can also be mounted quickly and reliably by using the patented panel clasp that is also unique. The solar panels can also be mounted through a sliding-in system where the panels are enclosed in two U-profiles. This last option guarantees an even faster mounting and, moreover, for an even more beautiful finish. The solar panels can be mounted both using a landscape and portrait format with regard to both mounting techniques. 3
Mounting systems for open fields Always in the most favourable position in the direction of the sun Open fields are extremely suitable for the application of solar systems. In addition to many square metres, they offer all the required space to always position the systems in the most favourable place with regard to the sun. Van der Valk Solar Systems offers you a choice from a fixed system and a tracker system depending on, for example, the location and performance requirements. This will ensure the highest achievable performance. The foundations for both systems can be fully synchronised with, for example, the type of soil and the contour of the site. Open fields Van der Valk Fixed Field System The Van der Valk Fixed Field System is a mounting system which you can use in any situation. The system also offers you a high degree of flexibility. Therefore the length, breadth and height of the system can be fully adapted to suit your specific requirements and circumstances, meaning that the available surface in the field can be used to an optimum extent and the maximum benefit derived from the solar power available. The Van der Valk Fixed Field System also offers you all of the scope you need when choosing the solar panels that you wish to use. Thanks to its clever construction, the system is suitable for all types and sizes of panels in use throughout the world. Thanks to the fact that it is constructed in units, you are also free to decide the number of rows of panels that you require (2, 3 or 4 on top of one another). This may always be an important factor in connection with, for example, the amount of space available or the maximum wind load in the area. A patent has been applied for for the Van der Valk Fixed Field System. The construction of the Van der Valk Fixed Field System consists of a slender and light-weight frame constructed using tubing that can be adapted easily in the factory to include the required number of rows of solar panels. The parts and components used are manufactured on the basis of the SolarTop arithmetic program (developed in collaboration with TNO, see page 2). For a 9 MWp project in Greece the Van der Valk Fixed Field System has been extensively tested and approved by TÜV Rheinland based on the latest Eurocodes. An approval certificate has been issued. The solar panels can be fixed quickly, simply and reliably with the unique patented fastening clamp. 4
Solar Tracker vs Fixed return difference Netherlands, 18 April Van der Valk Solar Tracker Field System The Van der Valk Solar Tracker Field System is a single-axis tracking system that excels in improving returns. The system is located in the most ideal position directed at the sun for the entire day, giving you the maximum benefit in terms of energy. The technologies used make the Van der Valk Solar Tracker Field System unique of its type. The systems can therefore be combined in units up to a total of 8 units (each consisting of 8 solar panels) per motor/control unit. No fewer than 64 solar panels can, therefore, be mounted per solar tracker in total (approx. 64 metres). RETURNS VAN DER VALK SOLAR TRACKER STATIONARY SYSTEM TIME The control system is based on a solar time algorithm so that it knows exactly where the sun is no matter where in the world the system is located and it is therefore not necessary to install sensors. As well as for use in fields, the Van der Valk Solar Tracker is also currently available for use on buildings and greenhouses. The Van der Valk Solar Tracker therefore offers considerably more scope for use and expansion compared with other tracker systems. Patents have been applied for for Van der Valk Solar Systems tracker systems. Fast payback Purchasing a solar tracker requires a relatively small increase in investment in comparison with a stationary installation; however, the cost of this extra investment is recovered within a few years, because of the subsequent increased yield that is obtained using solar trackers. The exact cost recovery time varies a great deal from country to country and also depends on the numbers of hours of sun a country has and the applicable energy tariffs. The cost recovery time and the financial returns in later years, can be precisely calculated in advance by using the correct variables. INVESTMENT RETURNS 0 Time taken to recover costs and profits VAN DER VALK SOLAR TRACKER STATIONARY SYSTEM DIFFERENCE YEARS 5
Mounting systems for flat roofs Free space for a profitable additional function The installation of solar panels on (utility) buildings is a logical development. The roof always offers free space and is often big enough to be used for a profitable additional function. The Van der Valk mounting systems for flat roofs have been developed with all consideration for the roof load and wind load and therefore fulfill the highest safety requirements (please refer to page 2 reliability and operational safety ). And what is more: for maximum safety and a minimal load, we prefer not to reinforce the systems but to secure these to the roof construction. The construction systems of Van der Valk Solar Systems are also available in façade designs. Flat roofs Van der Valk Fixed Flat Roof System The Van der Valk Fixed Flat Roof System is pre-eminently suitable as a stationary solar system to be used on flat roofs. The system has a light weight frame constructed using tubing and is also available (if the situation requires) with a closed reverse side. This has a positive effect upon air currents and turbulence, whilst reducing the wind load. The cooling aspect has also been taken into account during design. This will ensure that heat cannot accumulate in the construction and that performance loss will not occur. By connecting the rows with each other, a whole is created and the Van der Valk Fixed Flat Roof System can be fasted to the roof with minimum ballast. The solar panels can be mounted both in a landscape and a portrait format. Smart panel clamps or a sliding-in system are/is used to fix the solar panels where the panels are enclosed in two U-profiles. This last technique ensures that a very fast installation is possible and, moreover, that an even more beautiful finish can be achieved. The Van der Valk Fixed Flat Roof System is suitable for every type of solar panel. Van der Valk Solar Tracker Flat Roof System The unique design ensures that the Van der Valk solar tracker can be used on buildings. The Van der Valk Solar Tracker Flat Roof System offers the same performance advantage as in the field (see page 5). The wind load can be reduced by, for example, selecting an adapted (lower) tracker with fewer panels. The trackers can therefore be placed closer to one another, meaning that there is room for additional rows and yet the power per m 2 remains the same. The wind load can be reduced even further (if required) by also using a smaller tilting angle. In order to guarantee the highest level of safety and a minimum load, the tracker systems for flat roofs are, by preference, not reinforced but anchored to the roof structure. 6
Mounting systems for greenhouses Large surfaces, after all, catch a lot of sun Operating costs are to a great extent determined by energy consumption in glasshouse horticulture. The demand for energy-saving techniques is, therefore, becoming ever greater. Because of the large surfaces of greenhouse complexes, horticulture is perfect for a cost-effective application of solar systems. Not just the greenhouses in which cultivation actually takes place but also the related structures such as boiler rooms and processing rooms offer ideal options for extracting sustainable solar energy. Van der Valk Solar Systems has a suitable and reliable solar mounting system for every greenhouse. Greenhouses Van der Valk Fixed Greenhouse System Large surfaces are used in greenhouses as business space that does not demand light for growth. It is in this space, in particular, where the Van der Valk Fixed Greenhouse System is done justice. The same, of course, applies to greenhouses with other non-agrarian applications. The system is mounted using an auxiliary structure that is made specifically for the relevant greenhouse and takes into account the additional forces that the solar system exerts on the greenhouse structure. The system is, in principle, positioned on the south side of the roofs. When the roofs, however, are not located in the north-south direction, there is also an option that is positioned at right angles on the greenhouse. In short, solar power can be optimally used in every situation with the Van der Valk Fixed Greenhouse System. Van der Valk Solar Tracker Greenhouse System The advantages of tracker mounting systems when compared to fixed mounting systems are specified on page 5. Compared to the Fixed Greenhouse System, the Tracker Greenhouse System, however, offers an additional advantage. The Van der Valk Solar Tracker Greenhouse System is, after all, extremely suitable for positioning on greenhouses in which cultivation takes place. The reduction in the light used for growth can often be sufficiently limited due to the open space between the panels. A large solar system can be driven and the sun can be tracked by making long rows and using but a few motors. The system is positioned on the greenhouse with a greenhouse-specific auxiliary structure as is the case with the Fixed Greenhouse System. This guarantees reliability and efficiency. 7
Van der Valk Solar Systems Van der Valk Solar Systems is a specialist company that is fully focused on developing and producing mounting systems for use with solar panels. To this end we work in close collaboration with Van der Valk Systemen, our sister company. Van der Valk Systemen has been a well-known name in the field of moving systems and stationary components for the greenhouse horticultural sector and industry throughout the world since 1963. Van der Valk Systemen s high quality products have been individually developed from a scientific approach and produced with mathematical precision. They are made to be low-maintenance and to stand out thanks to their durability, reliability, functionality and ease of assembly. Both Van der Valk Systemen and Van der Valk Solar Systems only introduce innovative products to the market. Our shared business complex consists of 20,000 m 2 of offices and production facilities, in which modern machinery and the latest technologies facilitate development, manufacturing and testing that is fast, flexible and precise. The mounting systems of Van der Valk Solar Systems are delivered and installed by an extensive network of dealers (installation companies and project organizations). We are happy to help you look for the correct point of contact in your area. V06-2011 Please contact Van der Valk Solar Systems, your installation company or project organization for full information. Van der Valk Solar Systems BV, Zwartendijk 73, 2681 LP Monster, The Netherlands, telephone +31 (0)174 21 22 23, fax +31 (0)174 24 27 27, website www.valksolarsystems.nl, e-mail info@valksolarsystems.nl. Tracking and fixed solar mounting systems