K2 vs. Aerocompact flat roof solution comparison

The article discusses the comparison between two brands, K2 and Aerocompact, offering different mounting solutions for solar panels. K2’s Dome 6 is known for its effectiveness in mounting panels on flat roofs facing south or east-west, featuring a well-designed structure for stability and optimal energy output. On the other hand, Aerocompact’s SN2 is a comparable solution with different inclinations and rail options, and although it requires more ballast, it proves to be cost-effective in certain configurations. Both brands have their advantages, and project-specific requirements should be considered when choosing the ideal mounting system.

Dome 6

K2 offers a wide range of products, and among them is the Dome 6, which is highly sought-after for its effectiveness in mounting solar panels on flat roofs facing south or east-west. The Dome 6 PV mounting system has a remarkable design which ensures exceptional stability, even in challenging weather conditions. Additionally, this system maximizes the utilization of space by allowing for the optimal placement of solar panels, thereby increasing their energy output. It is a highly adaptable solution, offering customers the choice between various inclinations, including 10° and 15°, in three different variations: basic, Xpress, and LS.

The basic version of the system requires on-site assembly, providing easier transportation but taking longer to install compared to its counterpart, the Xpress version. The Xpress version comes pre-assembled, eliminating the need for on-site assembly and significantly expediting the installation process.

With the help of the K2 Base, this solution is also easy to design in just a few simple steps. The design process includes all the necessary calculations for statics, bills of materials, and more. You can access the software online by visiting this website, where you can register for free and begin professionally designing your own projects.

SN2

Aerocompact offers a comparable solution for the same application as K2. They have recently introduced their latest flat roof mounting system called the SN2. It is available in both 5° and 10° inclinations, suitable for both south and east-west orientations. Aerocompact has also announced the availability of the 15° inclination version. However, it is important to note that this particular item is not currently available at the time of writing this article. Unlike K2, Aerocompact does not offer a pre-assembled version of its system. However, they provide different options for the rail:

Multi-component rail: This option utilizes pre-cut rails, each measuring a maximum of 90 cm in length, positioned just below the clamping points. Choosing this solution can result in cost and time savings in both materials and transportation. However, it is important to note that long-side clamping is not possible with this application, and it requires module assembly.

Connected rail: This option employs pre-cut rails, each measuring a maximum of 1980 mm in length. While the transport cost remains low due to the standard size below 2 m, it allows for long-side clamping. This solution provides a higher load capacity and facilitates easy shipping. However, it requires additional connector rails.

Long rail: With standard rails measuring 5800 mm in length, this option enables pre-assembly and offers the fastest installation time among the three choices. It boasts the highest load capacity of all the options available.

In order to accurately compare and compensate for two different brands’ solutions, we must create identical designs. Let’s establish the following guidelines: We will focus on a flat roof solution, specifically the south-oriented version, in the initial round. The flat roof will have a 3° inclination, be covered with foil, and stand at a height of 10 meters in the same coordinates. Additionally, we require the same type and quantity of PV modules. I have performed calculations based on 450 W modules, resulting in a total of 224 modules for a capacity of up to 100 kW.

Now, our task is to design both systems and compare their values. One crucial factor to consider for a flat roof mounting system is the ballast and weight. Let’s begin by examining the own weight of the mounting system for the south-oriented setup without incorporating any ballast:

It is evident at a glance that the SN2 partial rails offer significant advantages. This solution stands out as the lightest among the available options, closely followed by the SN2 Long rail version. However, it is important to note that this distinction alone does not offer a comprehensive understanding. To obtain a complete assessment of the static load for each solution, we must also consider the weight of the ballast.
It is now clear that although the SN2 is lighter in weight, it requires a considerably larger quantity of ballast compared to K2. In this regard, K2 outperforms the SN2 in both versions. The SN2 versions require an additional 50-60% more ballast to ensure the proper stability of their structures. However, we observe more favorable results in the case of the Long rail version, primarily because the entire row is interconnected.
When we summarize the values, we arrive at similar conclusions as the ballast measurements: K2 has a lower overall weight compared to Aerocompact. As a result, SN2 will have a more noticeable effect on the roof. The same can be said for the SN2 Long rails, which also require more ballast, leading to a heavier load in comparison to its competitor. When considering an east-west oriented mounting system, the overall weight distribution follows a similar pattern: the SN2 emerges as the heaviest, followed by the SN2 long rail, and then the K2 solutions. To gain a more comprehensive perspective, let’s convert these values into kg/kW (kilograms per kilowatt). This will enable us to compare all the solutions in a unified manner.
As it becomes evident, the east-west oriented mounting system demands significantly less ballast due to reduced wind load. Additionally, the structure of the system eliminates the need for windshields. These features can be observed in the accompanying picture. Consequently, both D-Dome and SN2 PLUS require only 20-30% of the ballast required by their south-oriented counterparts.

When it comes to installing large commercial-sized modules, we encounter the need to clamp them on the long side. In such instances, the conventional mounting system structure is not suitable. However, both K2 and Aerocompact offer their own solutions to address this requirement. In this particular scenario, K2 once again exhibits a lighter weight, although the difference is noticeably smaller.

Considering all factors, we can conclude that the SN2 is slightly lighter than the Long Rails variant. However, it necessitates more ballast, resulting in heavier overall system weight. On the other hand, the SN2 system requires less material, making it easier to transport and quicker to install on the roof. When comparing the D-Dome and SN2 PLUS to their south-oriented variants, their total weight is significantly lower due to their minimal ballast requirement. In general, we can observe that K2 systems are slightly lighter than Aerocompact across all categories.

In addition to the ballast, another crucial aspect to consider is the price. Therefore, let’s compare the prices of these solutions. It is essential to factor in the cost of the ballast as it contributes to the overall installation expenses. As an average, I have calculated the value to be 0.12 € per kilogram. In this regard, K2 has an initial advantage due to the lower amount of ballast required. We will utilize the €/kW format for our price comparison.

Firstly, let’s examine the regular south-oriented systems. The findings are quite surprising. Despite requiring more ballast, the SN2 system is actually cheaper than any version of K2. The Long Rails variant is slightly more expensive but still offers a reasonable price. Additionally, when it comes to Aerocompact, the SN2 Long side clamping option also comes at a more favorable price compared to the similar S-Dome 6.10 LS. This solution is evidently more expensive since we require approximately double the amount of rails compared to the regular solution.

In the case of the east-west oriented D-Dome and SN2 Plus systems, the situation has undergone a change. Surprisingly, K2 offers slightly lower prices, regardless of whether it’s short or long-side clamping. As expected, the classic version is slightly more affordable compared to the Xpress version. However, the long-side versions see a price increase of 30-50% due to the aforementioned reasons.

Considering all aspects, both brands are highly reputable and known for their excellent products. Each brand offers its own unique advantages, which may vary depending on the specific requirements of the project. In order to select the perfect mounting system for our project, it is important to take other factors into consideration as well. For instance, Aerocompact systems provide a generous 25-year product warranty, while K2 offers the convenience of a free online design tool called the Base. Aerocompact also has its own design software, available for all of our partners.

You can find all the mentioned products in this article on our webshop. If you have any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our sales department at sales@solarity.eu. For technical assistance and design support, feel free to contact our local technical support colleague at pv-support@solarity.eu.

Author: Dániel Kovács, Technical Support

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