“We make roofs and façades suitable for solar panels”

Photovoltaics (PV) are increasingly becoming an integral part of modern building envelopes. Roofs and façades are evolving into active energy surfaces that generate electricity while also being visually appealing. How does the company fischer position itself with its fastening solutions in this growth area? Experts from fischer provide information about their systems for PV roofs and façades.

What solutions does fischer offer to participate in the solar market?

Christian Reifel, Regional Sales Manager Solar at fischer Deutschland Vertriebs GmbH: We offer well-thought-out complete systems for roofs and facades – from small private homes to large-scale industrial plants. The solutions simplify installation, save time, and guarantee permanently secure, functional fastenings. Ideal solutions with which we further enable roofs and facades for solar applications.

What systems does fischer offer for PV roofs?

Christian Reifel: Our complete systems for installing PV modules on pitched roofs are compatible with numerous covering materials such as tiles, corrugated sheets, fiber cement boards, trapezoidal and standing seam sheets. Roof hooks, rails, clamps, and stud bolts allow flexible
adaptation of the systems to the respective structural conditions as well as different arrangements and orientations of the PV modules – all without special tools or major roof modifications. Our aluminum rails come in various cross-sections – from 33 mm for economical installations up to 44 mm as the ideal solution for building most substructures with high load capacity. Universal pre-assembled middle or end clamps secure PV modules of different thicknesses. Depending on the type, the roof hooks are adjustable 3- or 4-fold and can be flexibly aligned.

Christian Reifel, Regional Sales Manager Solar at fischer Deutschland Vertriebs GmbH

Our systems support the energy transition, maximize the yield of PV systems, and ensure that the investment pays off quickly.

Christian Reifel, Regional Sales Manager Solar at fischer Deutschland Vertriebs GmbH.

And how does fischer support solutions for PV facades?

Jochen Burbach, Sales Manager BWM Facade Systems Germany: Our approved PV clip system allows for the quick, easy, and secure installation of framed PV modules on concrete, masonry, as well as wood or steel substructures. Ventilated curtain PV facades can also be executed with a hot-dip galvanized steel rail. The FSMN M8 R sliding nut ensures stress-free installation and load-optimized design, even with temperature-related material expansion. Additionally, integrated potential equalization, high torque resistance for power tools, and pre-assembled screw locking provide extra safety and efficiency. Connected module fields can be flexibly arranged in portrait or landscape format, fastenings remain largely invisible, and joints are variably adjustable – for homogeneous, visually appealing facades.

Jochen Burbach, Sales Manager BWM Facade Systems Germany

What other systems are used in PV facades?

Jochen Burbach: With the PV clamp system ATK 103 PV, fischer offers a second solution for concealed mounting of architecturally sophisticated PV facades. The system can be used on
almost all building substrates, features integrated potential equalization, and ensures a harmonious building appearance. Both systems securely integrate framed modules into the facade, guarantee permanently reliable positive-fit installation, maximum planning and execution security, as well as extensive approvals, expert reports, and usability certificates. For the approved Solarwatt PV modules in a facade application, we can even demonstrate the module statics across the entire substructure – this is unique on the market.

The energy transition takes place on roofs and facades. Electricity generation from photovoltaics increases sustainability and economic efficiency in building operations. fischer solar systems ensure a permanently secure fastening of the PV modules on the roof.

For Solarwatt PV modules in a façade application, we can verify the module statics across the entire substructure – unique on the market.

Jochen Burbach, Sales Manager BWM Facade Systems Germany.

What advantages do customers have from these systems?

Christian Reifel: Owners, operators, and installers benefit from easy installation, high quality, and lasting safety. The systems support the energy transition, maximize the yield of PV systems, and ensure that the investment pays off quickly.

Why did fischer enter the photovoltaic industry?

Jochen Burbach: PV modules are increasingly conquering roofs and facades. The growth market of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offers enormous potential. We leverage over 75 years of technological expertise and innovative strength in fastening technology, including more than 40 years in the facade sector, to systematically develop the market in Germany and internationally. Our national company in Italy – one of 51 operational fischer companies worldwide – already has around 20 years of project success and experience in the PV sector – this expertise flows into our solutions.

High-quality building facade: When using the substructure system from fischer BWM facade systems for PV modules, the fastening is done with clamps completely without visible fastening points and with minimal joints. At the same time, the construction is free of stress and permanently secure. Image: © FENECON GmbH

Our PV facade systems fit perfectly with our strategy: sustainability, innovation, and system solutions are our focus.

Jochen Burbach, Sales Manager BWM Facade Systems Germany.

What advantages does the fischer range offer for mounting PV modules on the facade?

Jochen Burbach: Expanding our range to include PV facade systems is a consistent step in a growing market. They fit perfectly with our strategy: sustainability, innovation, and system solutions are our focus.

Why is it worthwhile to install PV modules on facades?

Jochen Burbach: Facade systems complement roof and ground-mounted PV systems. Vertical building surfaces can be optimally used for power generation. In autumn and winter, they deliver more electricity than roof systems – especially with low sun angles during energy-intensive months – and have no significant yield losses due to snow. PV facades benefit from ambient reflection and often achieve higher power yields than roof systems due to lower module temperatures. Facade systems provide more consistent power throughout the day than classic south-facing 30° roof systems. This contributes to grid stability. In addition, the unused area on facades is often larger than on roofs. Module performance remains stable in the long term thanks to good rear ventilation. Facade modules are low-maintenance and generally do not require cleaning.

Planning with crystal clarity: The software SOLARPANEL-FIX within the fischer FiXperience Suite simplifies the planning and calculation of mounting systems for solar installations.

We support our customers through all construction phases until the successful completion of the project.

Christian Reifel, Regional Sales Manager Solar at fischer Deutschland Vertriebs GmbH.

What support does fischer offer for the planning and execution of PV systems on facades and roofs?

Christian Reifel: We accompany our customers through all construction phases: consulting, calculation, design, training, and on-site installation support – up to the successful project completion. With our own engineers, application technicians, and field staff in 51 operational companies worldwide, we always work closely with the customer and the project.

Energy meets elegance: With the PV-Clip system, fischer sets new standards for fastening PV modules on facades. The system enables particularly simple, fast, and economical installation of framed PV modules on all common substrates and substructures – with high safety and premium aesthetics.

Interview on Photovoltaics

We make roofs and facades solar-ready