Tile, IBR, or Corrugated? Choosing the Right Solar Mounting Kit
Your solar panels need to withstand 25 years of South African storms and high winds. Choosing the correct mounting hardware is the difference between a secure array and a costly roof leak.
1. Tiled Roofs (Concrete or Clay)
For tiled roofs, we use specialized Stainless Steel Roof Hooks.
- How it works: The hook is fastened directly to the wooden rafter underneath the tile. The tile then “slips” back into place, and the solar rail is bolted to the part of the hook that protrudes.
- The Benefit: No drilling through the tile is required, which maintains your roof’s waterproof integrity.
- Pro-Tip: Always ensure the installer grinds a small notch in the tile so it sits flush over the hook.
2. IBR & Corrugated Zinc Roofs
Metal roofs are common in South Africa and offer the quickest installation.
- IBR (Square profile): We use L-Feet or specialized IBR brackets that screw into the high ribs of the profile using self-tapping screws with EPDM rubber washers to prevent leaks.
- Corrugated (S-profile): Similar to IBR, but the brackets are shaped to fit the curve of the wave.
- The Benefit: These kits are lightweight and very cost-effective.
3. Flat Concrete Roofs (Slabs)
If you have a flat roof or a balcony, you cannot lay the panels flat—they will collect dust and lose efficiency.
- The Solution: A-Frame Tilting Kits. These aluminum frames tilt the panels at a 15° to 30° angle to catch the sun and allow rainwater to wash away dirt.
- Safety Note: These must be bolted down or “ballasted” (weighted) with concrete blocks so they don’t act like a sail in the wind.
Quick Selection Table
| Roof Type | Mounting Component | Ease of Install |
| Tiled | Stainless Steel Roof Hooks | Moderate |
| IBR / Zinc | Rib-Mount Brackets & L-Feet | Easy |
| Flat Concrete | Adjustable A-Frames | Advanced |
Don’t Forget: The Rail Length
Our solar rails usually come in 2.1m or 4.2m lengths.
Calculation: Most 550W panels are roughly 1.1m wide.
Example: To fit 4 panels in a row, you’ll need approx. 4.4m of railing (usually 2 x 4.2m rails joined with a Rail Joiner).
