Schletter Solar – Known for its roof hooks and photovoltaic PV mounting system

The globally active solar mounting system manufacturer Schletter Group presented its latest products and solutions at Intersolar 2022 in Munich. The focus was on maximum efficiency – in terms of material usage and installation time.

“Less material with the same or better load-bearing capacity and quick assembly on the construction site – this is a common thread running through our product development,” emphasizes Schletter Group CEO Florian Roos. “At Intersolar, we will be demonstrating how we implement this across our entire product range: from our ProLine pitched roof system and our FixGrid Pro flat roof system to our ground-mounted and tracker systems.”

High load-bearing capacity and quick assembly: the Schletter ProLine pitched roof system

The ProLine pitched roof system features a new profile geometry that allows for significantly less material usage compared to previous Schletter standard profiles. At the same time, the profile can withstand higher loads. Furthermore, the ProLine profiles can be installed without tools using a single internal connector, saving time and costs during installation. A new cross-rail connector enables a statically load-bearing installation.

In addition to its proven stainless steel and high-strength structural steel roof hooks, Schletter has expanded its product range with two aluminum roof hooks: the lightweight "EcoA" and "RapidA" roof hooks offer an additional option for optimizing projects and saving on installation costs. At Intersolar, the company is also presenting the new RapidA 35 roof hook, which was specifically developed for lower roof battens. Importantly, all Schletter roof hooks are compatible with both Schletter standard mounting rails and the new ProLine rails. This is ensured by a pre-assembled, rotatable multi-adapter.
Simple and quick installation is also the key feature of the "RapidPro" module clamp, which is designed specifically for the new profiles. Based on the "one-size-fits-all" principle, it can now be used to attach all common module sizes with frame heights between 30 and 47 mm. The fully pre-assembled clamp is clipped into the upper groove of the profile and then secured.

More flexibility, less weight: the improved FixGrid Pro

Thanks to improved aerodynamics, the FixGrid Pro flat roof system requires less ballast. In the optimized FixGrid Pro, when installed in an east-west orientation, the maintenance walkway is now located along the top edges of the angled modules, rather than between their bottom edges. "Our wind tunnel tests have demonstrated significant aerodynamic advantages, allowing us to reduce ballast by up to 10 percent," explains Manuel Schwarzmaier, Head of Sales for Roofing Products at the Schletter Group. "This also considerably simplifies module installation and wiring."

Furthermore, Schletter's developers have further optimized the system according to a modular logic, making planning and assembly more flexible and faster. Instead of different module supports depending on the tilt angle, module size, or installation type (vertical or horizontal), all variants can now be implemented with just a few universally applicable components. "Our FixGrid Pro always ensures an optimal support and clamping position for the module – regardless of the angle or size," emphasizes Schwarzmaier.

Ground-mounted and tracker systems: less material per kilowatt of power

The Schletter Group will also be showcasing its ground-mounted systems at Intersolar. This includes a new version of the Schletter Tracker, specifically optimized for single-unit installation of large-format modules. The compact system requires less material per kilowatt of output and is approximately 30 percent lighter than comparable models on the market. "This is a crucial factor, especially given the high logistics and transport costs currently available," explains Christian Salzeder, CSO Projects at the Schletter Group. The "1V" (one vertical) version offers the same design advantages as the existing Schletter Tracker: thanks to a mechanical self-locking mechanism, it is as stable as a fixed mounting system and can withstand wind speeds well over 200 km/h.

All Schletter open-field systems have also been optimized to meet the latest market demands: All systems can be fitted with bifacial modules for optimized yield. Furthermore, they have been adapted to accommodate the latest large-format modules, both horizontally and vertically. New coatings further extend the service life of the mounting systems.

Kirchdorf/Haag, April 12, 2022

Following the installation of Germany's largest solar carport PV system at Weeze Airport, Schletter has now been awarded the Global Leading RES seal in the "Unique Location" category

The Schletter Group has installed Germany's largest solar carport PV system at the airport in Weeze, North Rhine-Westphalia. For the innovative design and exceptional location, the German CleanTech Institute awarded Schletter the Global Leading RES seal. Seventy specialists assembled the Park@Sol system, covering 25,000 square meters, in just six weeks. Thanks to its special modular design, the solar panels could be individually adapted to the site's soil conditions. And the airport management is already considering a follow-up project: the construction of an electric vehicle charging station.

The 4 MWp photovoltaic system has been producing electricity for Westnetz GmbH since the end of last year. At the same time, the 15,296 solar modules provide shade for 1,350 parking spaces at the airport. The idea of ​​parking while vehicles are charged by the solar cells, which simultaneously provide shade, is not a vision of the future, but a reality. Continuous innovation combined with unconventional approaches are key factors for the further implementation of the energy transition.

The German CleanTech Institute (DCTI), together with the market and economic research company EuPD Research, the International Battery & Energy Storage Alliance (IBESA), and Joint Forces for Solar (JF4S), awards the Global Leading RES (Renewable Energy Systems) Award. The award aims to recognize outstanding photovoltaic and energy storage projects and raise public awareness of them. Certifications are awarded in the categories of First Mover, Tech Driver, Innovative Application, Unique Location, and Largest Project.

The DCTI continuously identifies international projects that deserve to be recognized as Global Leading RES Projects. All industry participants are therefore encouraged to recommend award-worthy projects or submit them directly through the application process.

A detailed description of all 46 certified projects can be found here: www.dcti.de/awards/global-leading-projects/winner

Further information about the DCTI and the application process for the Global Leading RES Awards can be found at the following link: www.dcti.de/auszeichnungen/global-leading-projects

Berlin-Bonn, August 10, 2017

Schletter Solar GmbH headquarters – Image: Schletter Group

Ludwig Schletter could have withdrawn in frustration and driven past the company that bears his family name every day, indifferent to the fact that he still lives near it.

The son of the company's founder, however, no longer wants to stand idly by while the interim management, installed in 2015, "dismantles the company piece by piece, lays off employees, and now sells the remaining parts to an anonymous financial investor after having previously maneuvered the company into insolvency." He revealed to the OVB regional newspapers how he intends to restore the world-renowned Hague-based assembly specialist to its former strength.

The Schletter Group filed for insolvency in March 2018, and it is said that concrete purchase interests have emerged during the investor process. The company recently reported that the corresponding contracts could be signed as early as June.

Many investors are particularly interested in the company's substantial tangible assets, seeing this as an opportunity to sell off non-essential capital through a takeover and thereby generate profits. The fact that selling off production facilities will negatively impact the business model, and especially that it will result in the dismissal of a large number of employees, is apparently of no concern to them. After all, these investors reason, the costs of layoffs will be borne by the insolvency estate.

Companies back to the top of the world

We're taking a different approach: despite the severe cutbacks within the company, a valuable core remains. And unlike other investors, we're not talking about tangible assets, but rather, and especially, about the employees with their expertise – the human capital – and the market position of the globally operating group. This gives us a very strong foundation to successfully lead the company back to the top of the global market. That's why we submitted a purchase offer even before the insolvency application, an offer that can be implemented practically at any time. Our offer has been reviewed by experts, and the financiers are also backing it. We can take over operations as early as July 1st. This sets us apart from other investors who might sign contracts in the short term but likely won't be ready to start until sometime later in July.

So you want to buy back your family's company – what is the reaction to this within the company?

I can't say for sure – so far, we've been completely blocked by the current management; until just under a week ago, we had no access to the necessary company documents. The employees seem to have been intimidated; at least, it appears no one is allowed to contact the former owner family. There must be a climate of fear within the company. However, I expect a positive response to the fact that we intend to retain almost all employees and offer them a secure future through business expansion – based on a very sound financial foundation provided by our investors. In contrast, the other investors plan to lay off a large portion of the workforce in the short term. This would be a catastrophe for the affected families and for the region.

“Had I known that relinquishing the management would lead to such a negative development, I would have acted differently.”

They handed over the business to new management in 2014/2015, which could have been a new opportunity for Schletter. But it seems that many things went wrong. How do you assess the situation back then in retrospect?

The solar market collapsed in 2013 and 2014, which meant a loss of roughly 85 percent of our orders at the time. The market volume shrank from 7.5 gigawatts to 0.9 gigawatts per year. However, we didn't get into trouble through mismanagement, but rather through the distortions caused by political actions in the market. I see us as a "political victim." Of course, I also self-critically admit my entrepreneurial mistakes – we simply recognized the signs of the times too late. At that stage of uncertainty, we wanted to do everything right, and therefore, for the good of the company and on the recommendation of our banks, we handed over the business to a management team experienced in such situations, led by Tom Graf. A restructuring plan was drawn up at that time, according to which the company was supposed to reach a value of around 180 million euros again. Had I known that handing over the management would lead to such a negative development for the company, culminating in insolvency despite a significantly improved market situation, I would have acted differently. I could have managed that too (laughs). However, that would have meant that the management consultants and lawyers would have missed out on tens of millions of euros.

What is the current estimated value of the company?

After the business was significantly scaled back and many machines were sold in recent months, we are now only in the low double-digit millions. That's well over one hundred million euros less than the value estimated just over two years ago.

So, Tom Graf and his team failed to get the company back on track. Their new concept is supposed to be more sustainable? Aren't you worried it might be too late?

Despite the current situation, Schletter is a globally recognized brand name in the industry, and we still benefit from that today. We've worked hard for it, and we won't let anyone take it away from us. Furthermore, I've been in this business long enough to assess our opportunities; I know the market. The solar industry in Germany alone has recently grown by a good 40 percent, and Schletter could have benefited from that. But the company hasn't under the current management. Instead, they've deviated significantly from the restructuring plan that was originally agreed upon, which envisioned market-driven development. This means that this management has failed. For the last two or three years, there has been no investment in innovation, which of course also needs to be addressed. But I'm confident that we'll succeed. My plan is to retain all the existing employees and maintain and expand the Haag location.

“We are convinced that our concept will work if we are successful as the buyer.”

Key word: Who stands by you?

Over the past few years, I've built up a large network and still maintain contact with former clients – including competent executives who I know are ready to work with me. In addition, I have the support of a professional, long-term-oriented, mid-sized financial investor who specializes in such situations and can operate independently of banks. This is crucial for the upcoming growth, as it allows us to focus more on operational success than on financial metrics.

How difficult is it for you to think that Schletter might be broken up? The company was founded in 1968, and you should have been celebrating an anniversary in 2018.

This is something we can't ignore, and it's a psychological strain on our family. But it's also a question of mental strength. We are, and always have been, a down-to-earth entrepreneurial family, and I've decided not to give up. We're convinced that our concept will work if we get the chance to buy it. The market would welcome us with open arms.

Interview: Elisabeth Sennhenn

Kirchdorf / Haag i.OB, June 14, 2018

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