Dutch startup Rable has developed a PV mounting system designed to enable solar installations on fragile roofs with limited load-bearing capacity. Called Rable4Roofs, the system uses a self-supporting structure to distribute loads more evenly and significantly reduce the number of anchor points required.

The mounting structure is made from galvanized steel sourced from Belgium and comes with a 15-year corrosion warranty. Its lattice design is central to the system.

“It is a self-supporting, cost-effective solution for fragile roofs, roofs with Class B insulation and parking structures, particularly for east-west configurations,” Mevanly Karamoko, a sales engineer at Rable, told pv magazine. “It also requires 95% fewer anchor points than conventional mounting systems, which represents a major advance for the market.”

It can be installed on flat or slightly pitched roofs with slopes of up to 10 degrees without compromising waterproofing. According to Rable, the system can also eliminate the need for roof renovations, which can cost up to €125/m², depending on the building.

The system’s stability relies on a structural design combining compression elements in the supporting framework with tension elements provided by cables. Together, these components form a rigid lattice that distributes loads and withstands environmental forces, including wind and snow.

“The system’s weight is supported by the roof purlins rather than the roof panels themselves,” Karamoko said.

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