Phoenix Solar
Employee News
Interview with Sebastian Stoll on the development and special features of the Phoenix TectoFlat installation system
Phoenix TectoFlat – a name which stands for a new installation system developed by Phoenix Solar AG for flat roofs. It took about one year and a few grey hairs to develop this innovative system. TectoFlat is a combination of Phoenix Solar’s know-how and long-standing expertise and the personal experience and ideas of Sebastian Stoll, the design engineer behind the system. The avid windsurfer and climber knows just how to protect a system against wind and give it stability.
Mr Stoll, what exactly were the requirements placed on TectoFlat as a flat roof installation system?
Sebastian Stoll: Our aim was to develop an installation system which would be convincing from a price and universal applicability standpoint. It goes without saying that we place huge importance on using premium material and on the system being able to fulfil all the standard safety requirements. In addition, our colleagues from Sales, Power Plant Planning and Development had special requirements, such as making the installation process simple, swift and ergonomic.
It sounds as if there were a great many people involved and many aspects to consider to bring it all together. How did you achieve this?
Stoll: The size of Phoenix Solar enables us to have components manufactured in professional and highly automated serial production, which has a positive impact on the price. As far as the development was concerned, I drew on my experience as a design engineer and could count on the know-how and team spirit of Phoenix employees. We were able to use our own test roof to see whether our ideas could and would work in practice. This is how we were able to develop an installation system which has the potential to establish itself as an industry standard in the solar sector.
What makes TectoFlat so unique?
Stoll: The price, which is 50 percent lower than comparable systems, is unique. We were also successful in making TectoFlat compatible for installation with the majority of modules in the market. This goes for both crystalline and thin-film modules. To avoid surfaces exposed to the winds, we developed an aerodynamic design which reduces wind loads to a minimum.. Thanks to independent wind appraisals, the only weighting needed is for the purpose of securing stability. We are also proud that our system does not require any roof penetration. The structure is stabilised mainly by its own weight through a system which connects up module rows. In addition, the load is spread evenly through large, circular contact flats across the roof. Furthermore, the angle can be adjusted to achieve optimal yield and surface use. What is more, the low number of components makes TectoFlat simple and ergonomically comfortable to install.
What material did you use for TectoFlat?
Stoll: We made a conscious decision against using aluminium in this system. After running a series of quality tests, our choice fell on magnesium-aluminium-zinc coated steel which fulfils the sophisticated requirements placed by our customers on durability and stability. Moreover, the manufacturers carried out various studies and product tests to prove the extreme durability of the material. We can therefore unhesitatingly give a guarantee of ten years.
What did you enjoy most about developing TectoFlat and your work at Phoenix Solar?
Stoll: You have a lot of latitude as a design engineer at Phoenix Solar. You are able to incorporate your ideas on all aspects into the design. The immense know-how of the company and my colleagues’ team spirit have ultimately resulted in a final product which is absolutely unique. It is a thoroughly enjoyable experience to see how a complete system ready for use is created from an idea. What I find most motivating, however, is the fact that, in our sector of renewable energies, we are part of the future and of the solution to the challenges we face today. This gives me great satisfaction and confidence.
