Click-Fit roof hooks and rails

[GaryM]

Any thoughts on the Click-Fit range of roof hooks and rails? ClickFit | The Mounting Structure for PV Systems
Scenario would be tiled roof, around 3 years old so in excellent condition to hold 16 panels (2 rows of 8 in portrait orientation).

 

[and]

As a carpenter/builder I personally don't want my (hopefully soon to be) PV system fixing to be dependent upon my roof batons - batons can be very knotty, split, poorly nailed, even missing nails ... they are fine for hanging tiles off of ... I feel I would sleep at night much better with the system firmly fixed to my rafters ... just a personal opinion.

 

[GaryM]

That's how I feel but given enough roof hooks spread across a large area?

Here's a youtube video showing a brief installation ClickFit | PV Mounting Structures - YouTube

 

[SolarCity]

I'd never sleep if I was to use the ClickFit system. I just don't like the idea of it.

 

[GaryM]

Hmmm, was hoping somebody would have claimed it to be the best thing since sliced bread!

 

[SolarCity]

It looks unbelievably quick to install but I just can't get my head around the idea that it just hooks around a batten.

 

[GaryM]

Was introduced to it on the first day (today) of my C&G2399 course. We'll be seeing it close up in the workshop at some point and was assured that it's extremely difficult to get off a batten though the battens will need to be in good condition for it to be effective. I suppose the next 25, 30 or 40 years should also be considered.

 

[powervan]

is it mcs approved???

 

[grandfortune]

Exact sentiments i was thinking when they were pouring 10 ton of concrete on the flimsie base for my conservatory full of polystyrene , spreadable load nothing to worry about, one minute you can push your finger in it next minute your pouring 20 ton of concrete on top of it.

 

[GaryM]

is it mcs approved???

Yes it is - http://www.click-fit.nl/download/ClickFit-MCS-BRE.pdf

 

[powervan]

thanks!!

 

[alexpau]

The click fit system has had failure problems in Germany and the question would be can it be supported with wind and snow load calcs + some building control officers claim it does not comply with building regs

 

[powervan]

well i dont trust a "click" system full stop (user error) good old NUT and BOLT (JOBS A GOODEN) as u seem bit up on this building reg/wind calcs when all this madness stops and i can get back to filling out forms correctly ie as mcs require ive got to (start) shush i no i no doing wind calcsnot got me head around it yet! any advise OH WISE ONE? structual engineers dont seem interested in the odd solar pv job!! no lectures on what i shud be doing as i already no that! just nice friendly advise

 

[alexpau]

Hi just to advice you i work for Hilti solar PV division and we are currently the oly manufactuer with software allowing you to do residential and commercial designs, this softare includes all UK wind and snow annex data and will tick all the boxes with the MCS GOING FORWARD and whats more its free to Hilti customers. We were due to start launching to selected customers under licence straight away with an official launch Jan 2012 but the UK government have caused this to be delayed as currently we are working every working second trying to get monting kit to people

 

[powervan]

sounds the BIZ!! just used hilt today! keep us informed on software PLEEEEEEEEEEZE!

 

[SRE]

well i dont trust a "click" system full stop (user error) good old NUT and BOLT (JOBS A GOODEN) as u seem bit up on this building reg/wind calcs when all this madness stops and i can get back to filling out forms correctly ie as mcs require ive got to (start) shush i no i no doing wind calcsnot got me head around it yet! any advise OH WISE ONE? structual engineers dont seem interested in the odd solar pv job!! no lectures on what i shud be doing as i already no that! just nice friendly advise

If you take careful measurements and photos and draw up the roof structure there are companies who will do the wind and snow load figures for you. It takes longer to do the survey but it does mean you have an extra report for the customer and more importantly ticks the relevant MCS boxes and means you won't have issues with Building Regulations.

Alternatively, if you plan your work carefully and give structural engineers plenty of time to tie in a visit for your customer at the same time they're doing something else you should be able to get someone to physically visit and confirm everything is ok. I prefer this approach because our structural guy works every day with the local Building Regs guys and they trust him - makes life easier.

 

[alexpau]

Powervan please send me your email adress and location and i will get one of our guys to get in touch, and arrange training etc

 

[powervan]

I like that PLAN your work lol if i carry on after xmas i will be able to plan things as work wil be very quiet on solar front and would aim to just put the odd install in to cover the fees for everything!READY for the next mad rush? i rec FIT will have to rise to 28p in end????

 

[SRE]

I like that PLAN your work lol if i carry on after xmas i will be able to plan things as work wil be very quiet on solar front and would aim to just put the odd install in to cover the fees for everything!READY for the next mad rush? i rec FIT will have to rise to 28p in end????

Do I detect a glimmer of optimism :wink_smile:

 

[powervan]

well got to be ONEST! its been hard work getting in to all this mcs stuff and its DEFO the future! so prob be a waste to CHICKEN out now!!plus it makes a change to open a draw and put my hand straight onto the correct file! even if some (wind calcs ) are emptylol

 

[SRE]

Coming to the same conclusion myself don't think it's going to make me a fortune but I do think it might contribute to our business. Diversification here we come .....