Not all trapezoidal sheet metal is the same. Depending on the roof, module orientation, or project requirements, a solution that is as compact as possible may be needed—or additional flexibility during installation.
That’s why part of ourCOMPACTMETAL family is based on two different principles: TS as a short-rail system and TL as a bridge system. Both are installed without cutting or pre-drilling and can be expanded modularly.
COMPACTMETAL TS: Compact and Direct
COMPACTMETAL TS is mounted directly on the high rib of the trapezoidal sheet metal. The short rails are delivered pre-assembled with sealing tape, and the click module clamps are attached directly to them. This keeps the system setup simple and reduces material and installation costs.
The short rail is available in lengths of 80 and 150 mm. While the short version is designed to minimize material usage, the longer rail offers greater installation tolerance and, if necessary, can provide a higher load-bearing capacity per fastener.
TSE also offers an extended version for situations requiring greater clearance from the roof—such as for improved rear ventilation or the installation of optimizers.
COMPACTMETAL TL: Flexible with a Bridge Principle
COMPACTMETAL TL takes a different approach. The trapezoidal bridges are bolted together using two raised ribs and allow for both longitudinal and transverse installation of the PV modules. The clamping mechanism on the long side of the module also accommodates high wind and snow loads and enables the use of large-area modules.
The bridges are available in lengths of 250 and 380 mm and can thus be adapted to different requirements. With TLE, there is also a raised version available here for greater spacing and improved rear ventilation. A clever detail: The integrated star-shaped perforation enables potential equalization without additional components.
Need even more flexibility? No problem.
Both systems can be further adapted to the project using the modular design. In addition to height adapters, various tilt adaptors— PS, PM, and PL —are available. Depending on the system and module orientation, this allows for an additional tilt of approximately 5° or 10°.
Short rail or bridge?
The difference can actually be summed up quite simply: TS is the compact solution for installation with minimal material and labor costs. Thanks to its bridge design, TL offers greater flexibility in installation, module orientation, and project requirements.
What both have in common is the same philosophy: as simple as possible, as flexible as necessary.
And that’s exactly what we mean by good product development. We listen, draw on experience from real-world projects, and continue to refine our systems in collaboration with customers, installers, and our technical teams.
Because in the end, what matters isn’t how new or complicated a solution is—but how well it works on the roof.
COMPACTMETAL in Practice: PV Meets the Bundesliga
Theory is good. But it gets even more exciting when you see what’s actually possible on the roof. A special example of this can be found in Dortmund: On the roof of the BVB stadium, photovoltaics meet extraordinary structural requirements—and an installation solution where every detail counts.
In our project report, we show how the challenge was solved and what role AEROCOMPACT plays in the process.