Trapezoidal SHEET ROOF bridge SYSTEM

COMPACTMETAL TL is our mounting system for PV installations on trapezoidal sheet metal roofs. The mounting brackets are positioned perpendicular to the ribs and each spans two raised ribs—this allows the modules to be mounted in portrait orientation. The bridges are screwed directly into the high-rib without chips and without pre-drilling; the module clamps are then snapped directly onto the bridge. Available in bridge lengths of 250 and 380 millimeters, CE-marked, with a product warranty.

For commercial and industrial roofs covered with trapezoidal sheet metal, where changes to the existing roof should be kept to a minimum. The bridges are installed perpendicular to the corrugations and each spans two raised corrugations. Curved and arched metal roofs are also possible; one documented reference project is a 3.4-MW installation on a curved corrugated metal roof in Fidenza. To determine suitability, the profile designation, rib spacing, and sheet thickness are required.

No. The bridges are screwed directly onto two raised beads using the MSS 6x25 self-tapping sheet metal screw—without chips and without pre-drilling.

The TL25 and TL38 are trapezoidal bridges measuring 250 and 380 millimeters in length, respectively. The TL25 is designed for rib spacings of 100 to 210 millimeters, while the TL38 is designed for 211 to 333 millimeters. Both are bolted together using two raised ribs and support the module clamps for the direct installation of framed PV modules.

The TLE25 and TLE38 modules protrude 80 millimeters above the sheet metal. This improves rear ventilation and creates space for optimizers. The star-shaped cutout in the bridge provides an equipotential bond to the trapezoidal sheet metal without the need for additional components.

EL05 and EL10 increase the distance between the module frame and the corrugated sheet metal from approximately 18 mm to 50 mm (EL05) and 100 mm (EL10), respectively. They are particularly useful in locations with constant sunshine or high temperatures, where the improved rear ventilation cools the modules and can significantly increase their output.

You also mount the modules at an angle relative to the roof surface—at three different height levels—so that the tilt angle can be adjusted to match the roof. This is particularly useful on very gently sloped roofs and on east- or west-facing surfaces, where the modules would otherwise be positioned at an unfavorable angle to the sun; there, this can significantly increase energy output. Important for planning: Using tilt adaptors means you move away from a roof-parallel installation to an elevated mounting system—this changes row spacing, shading, and wind exposure and requires new structural calculations.

For framed PV modules in portrait orientation with a frame height of 30 to 46 millimeters—that is the adjustment range of the cross-system universal click clamp. COMPACTMETAL TL is designed for high wind and snow loads; the project-specific design takes into account, among other factors, profile geometry, sheet metal thickness, and site-specific loads, and is planned using AEROTOOL.

Four levels, two decisions. First decision: parallel to the roof or angled. The TL, TLE, and TL EL models cover the parallel-to-the-roof option; the TL EL PS/PM/PL adds an additional angle option. Second decision: how much clearance from the sheet metal. At around 18 millimeters, the TL model sits closest to the roof. The TLE model raises the mounting bracket to 80 millimeters, providing more rear ventilation and space for optimizers. The TL EL model uses adapters to specifically set the clearance to 50 or 100 millimeters.

Use the COMPACTMETAL TL leaflet for preliminary selection, the COMPACTMETAL intake form—which applies to the entire product family—for project preparation, and the assembly instructions for implementation; for projects in the United Kingdom, there is a separate version for the TL25. The project-specific design and bill of materials are created using AEROTOOL. The rib spacing is particularly relevant when choosing between TL25 and TL38; the official inquiry form is available for technical questions.

The universal click-in terminals feature integrated grounding pins. In the raised TLE version, the star-shaped perforations establish equipotential bonding with the trapezoidal sheet metal without the need for additional components. The WCL8-10 wire terminal is available for integration into an existing external lightning protection system. Whether and to what extent the system must be integrated depends on the project-specific lightning protection and equipotential bonding concept.