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Frequently asked questions about our mounting systems

Do you have a question about our mounting systems or calculation software? Then choose one of the questions below to get an answer.

Questions about the ValkPVplanner

How do I define my own solar panel as the standard panel?

At your personal settings (under Modules), click on a panel with the right-hand mouse button. Then select Define as standard panel.

Are there major differences between the middle zone and edge zone and is this important?

There are differences between the middle zone and edge/ corner zone. By placing panels in the edge zone, extra materials and/or ballast may be required. This is therefore important for your calculation.

How can I delete whole rows and/or columns while I’m creating a design?

Hold down the Ctrl or Shift key + click the left-hand mouse button to delete or add rows and/or columns while you are creating the design.

I don't have the exact address, what should I do?

In the ValkPVplanner, you can select a region or just a country. Then you can fill in the environmental factors by hand.

Can I order the materials directly from my wholesaler? If so, how do I do this?

A wide range of wholesalers include a link to our ValkPVplanner in their online stores. As soon as you make a calculation in the planner through the online store, you can immediately add the materials to your shopping basket.

Where can I download a user guide of the ValkPVplanner?

The various user guides can be downloaded on our website, under Documentatie and on the product page of the system in question.

There are also installation videos available for a wide range of systems.

In addition, we have a number of instruction videos for our ValkPVplanner.

Can I calculate different solar panel configurations on the same flat roof?

This is possible by creating different roof surfaces in your project.

  1. Click Area 1 on the System tab.
  2. Then click the orange button Create part of the roof surface
  3. Now you can again draw a roof surface by setting three points. The fourth point is drawn automatically
  4. Well done! You have created a roof surface
  5. You can now create another configuration on the same flat roof
  6. You can keep creating new roof surfaces

Is it possible to copy a PV project so that I can create a new configuration without losing the calculation that I already made?

It is possible to copy a PV project:

  1. In the start screen, choose the option Load projects and search for the project in question
  2. Here you can perform a number of different activities
  3. Now choose the option Duplicate project
  4. Save a copy of the project in question
  5. In the copied project you can easily change the configuration of the panels (for example, from a South to an East-West configuration)

Where in the ValkPVplanner can I add service items?

At the top of the 'Results' tab, you can switch the various service items on and off.

You can also add extra service items to your list of materials; here you can choose either flat roofs or pitched roofs.

Questions about our mounting systems for flat roofs

For which solar panels is the ValkPro+ system suitable?

ValkPro+ (South & East-West) is suitable for panels with the following lengths:

L10/L15 South and East-West

  • Pitch south: 1300, 1400, 1500 1600 of 1700 mm
  • Pitch east-west: 2150, 2300, 2400 or 2500 mm

P10 South and East-West

  • Pitch south: 2100, 2200, 2300 of 2400 mm
  • Pitch east-west: 3500, 3600, 3800, 4200, 4300, 4400 or 4500 mm

Click here for more information about the different dimensions and associated pitches.

What is the maximum roof height when using the ValkPro+ system?

You can use the www.valkpvplanner.nl to calculate your own projects up to a height of 25 m.

Is your roof even higher? Then contact our project department ([email protected]) for an appropriate solution.

Are the PV mounting systems for flat roofs storm proof?

The PV mounting systems from Van der Valk Solar Systems have been tested and comply with the European standards. 

Our ValkPro+ system is also wind-tunnel tested. This is incorporated into our calculation software.

Are there auxiliary tools available that can be used to install the ValkPro+ system even faster and more efficiently?

Yes, we have a wide range of tools that will help you work faster. You can find them in our pricelists

The following are a number of our service items:

Alignment key for roof carrier profile: the alignment key can be used to align the roof carriers. You can use it to temporarily link the roof carriers in order to align them perfectly. An added advantage of this alignment key is that it can also be used as a spacer when mounting panels on pitched roofs. This means that the distance between the panels is always the same. (article number 739010)

Alignment set for roof carrier profile: the alignment set is useful for aligning the roof carriers so that you always have the same pitch. (article number 743220)

Torx bits: 25 mm torx bit T30 for your battery-powered screwdriver. (article number 789530)

Release key: you can use the release key to easily dismantle the legs of our ValkPro+ system. (article number 743000)

Mounting kit for power optimizer/ micro-converter: you can use this clamp to clamp the power optimizer/micro-converter to the panel. (article number 774222)

Which solution does the ValkPro+ system use to neatly conceal cables?

We have included a wide range of cable clamps in our service items for this task:

Stainless steel cable clamp: the stainless steel cable clamp can be used to conceal solar cables. You can attach this service item to the solar panel. (article number 732001)

Plastic cable clamp: you can use the plastic cable clamp to neatly conceal the cables in the ValkPro+ system. You can position the plastic cable clamp on the back feet of the ValkPro+ system. (article number 732011)

For cable management we also have the ValkCableCare products.

How much ballast must I place under my PV system and in which location?

The amount of ballast to be used depends on various factors, such as roof height, wind area, high adjacent buildings, etc. When you calculate the system using the ValkPVplanner, these factors are automatically taken into account and a correct ballast plan is drawn up in line with the standards.

The use of wind deflectors (side and back plates) and coupled roof carriers can help keep the requisite ballast to a minimum.

The ballast (tiles) should be positioned on the rubber tile carriers and/or the mass carriers. When positioning ballast, always work from the outside of the coupled system towards the middle. This prevents a situation in which there is no ballast in the middle of the system.

What are the pitches of the ValkPro+ system?

L10 South and East-West

  • Pitch south: 1300, 1400, 1500 1600 of 1700 mm
  • Pitch east-west: 2300, 2400 or 2500 mm

P10 South and East-West

  • Pitch south: 2100, 2200, 2300 of 2400 mm
  • Pitch east-west: 3500, 3600, 3800, 4200, 4300, 4400 or 4500 mm

What is a dilatation and when must I use a dilatation?

A dilatation is an interruption in a row or column of solar panels.

There must be a dilatation between the steel roof carriers after a maximum of 60 metres and between the aluminium profiles after a maximum of 30 metres.

If I add side plates in the middle zone, can I then use less ballast?

No, it is currently not possible to use less ballast. The ValkPro+ system was tested in the wind tunnel in the middle zone of the roof, without side plates. For this reason, we have (as yet) no ballast values if side plates are indeed used in the middle zone.

In which situation should the side plates be added to the ValkPro+ system?

The side plates must be used if the ValkPro+ system is placed in the edge zone of the roof. The side plates are not required to be used in the central zone of the roof.

Questions about our mounting systems for pitched roofs

Is it okay to walk or stand on the profiles?

No, our advice is not to walk or stand on the profiles.

What is the maximum span of an aluminium profile in combination with a Smartline and Slimline roof hook?

The maximum span of the Smartline roof hook in combination with an aluminium profile is 1500 mm  

The maximum span of the Slimline roof hook in combination with an aluminium profile is 700 mm

The above maximum dimensions were calculated on the basis of the following baseline data:

  • Wind area I
  • Maximum roof height of 9 m
  • Gradient of 45 degrees
  • Terrain category 'built'
  • Middle zone roof
  • Panel dimensions: Length 1650 mm x Width 1016 mm (max) x Height: 28-50 mm

Which conditions must my roof satisfy in order to use suspension hooks?

The battens must be good quality and mounted in the right way so that the Slimline roof hooks can hang firmly. The battens should be fastened to the underlying counter battens and/or tracks with screws. If the battens are mounted with nails or staples, an evaluation should always be carried out by an expert

Are the PV mounting systems storm-proof?

The PV mounting systems from Van der Valk Solar Systems have been tested and comply with the European standards. 

Our Valkpro+ system is also wind-tunnel tested. This is incorporated into our calculation software.

What is the warranty period and can I extend it, if necessary?

The warranty period for all our systems is 10 years. Under certain conditions, the warranty can be extended to 15, 20 and 25 years.

For more information about the conditions, contact your wholesaler.

Do you have a PV mounting solution for every type of roof?

Van der Valk Solar Systems has a PV mounting solution for most roofs. If there is no standard solution, we would be happy to advise you on what to do next.

What should I do if I have a pitched bitumen roof with insulation (warm roof)?

Consoles should be used for this type of roof. Please contact our project department ([email protected]) for an appropriate solution.

Which standard lengths are available for clamp profiles?

The standard profile lengths Side++ are: 1220 mm, 2370 mm, 3520 mm, 4670 mm and 5820 mm

Questions about our mounting systems for ground mount

From which foundation types can I choose?

You can choose from the following foundation types: concrete pads, screw piles or ballast.

Which tilt angles are available?

For the ValkPro+ system a tilt angle of 10° in landscape and portrait are available. Our solar ramp mounting systems have a fixed tilt angle of 10°. 

Can I also use 72-cell panels?

This is possible. For 2 m (72 cells) panels or other configurations, contact Van der Valk Solar Systems.

How far from each other must the foundations be placed?

On the outer edges, the distance between the foundations is 1500 mm and in the middle of the system the distance between the foundations is 3000 mm.

Where can I find gross prices on your website?

You can use the ValkKITSplanner to calculate the gross price of your solar ramp system. With the ValkPVplanner you can calculate the gross price for your ValkPro+ system.

Questions about our Kits

How much ballast must I place on the solar ramp and where should I put it?

The ballast should be placed on the designated ballast foundations (concrete mass block) under the highest part of the ramp.

You can find this information on our download page.

The amount of ballast depends on the country, the wind area and the height at which you want to place the solar ramp system.

Are there also side plates available for the solar ramps?

There are no side plates available for the solar ramp systems.

Can the tilt angles of the various solar ramps be adjusted?

The solar ramp systems have a fixed tilt angle of 10° that cannot be adjusted.

Up to which roof height may I install a solar ramp?

The maximum height at which a solar ramp can be installed is 15 meters.

Questions about returns

How can I return a product?

To return a product, we recommend that you first contact your wholesaler. Did you buy the product directly from us? Then you can fill in the return form.

Could you not find the information you were looking for?

Our experts would be happy to help you and answer any questions you might have.