Basic Rail Raiser K2 Rail

RailUp is a set of parts that raises the panel above the rail, so that an air gap remains between the module and the roof. Panels work better when they are cool, and the air circulating underneath cools them. In practice, it is a small accessory, fitted once, which helps the panel work at a lower temperature and leaves working room underneath.

On a sheet-metal roof, the covering heats up strongly in summer and the ventilation space is limited, so spacing the module away from it has a real effect on output during the warm months, because crystalline modules lose power as the cell heats up. The space created under the panel is also useful during installation: that is where the microinverters or power optimisers are placed, and access to the wiring remains available for later checks. The set comes complete, with all the necessary screws and nuts, so no other accessories are needed. Note: raising the panel also increases the force with which the wind pulls it upwards, so the number of fixing points must be recalculated for the roof in question.

K2 RailUp set, article code 2003191, made of aluminium, stainless steel and TPC, intended for the K2 BasicRail system on trapezoidal sheet metal. Compatible with the K2 OneMid and OneEnd universal clamps, as well as with the standard module clamps in the K2 range; the manufacturer states that the set is not to be used with K2 AddOn. The extra distance from the covering increases the lever arm of the wind forces, which is why the number and distribution of the fixing points are determined in K2 Base, for the specific site.

Who it suits

Suitable for installations on halls or outbuildings with sheet-metal roofs, especially where microinverters or optimisers are fitted and space is needed under the panel.

Terms explained

• Negative temperature coefficient: The panel produces less the hotter it gets, which is why cooling through ventilation helps output.
• Microinverter / power optimiser: Small devices mounted under the panel, which convert or regulate the current right at the level of each module.
• Ventilation: The circulation of air through the space left free between the back of the panel and the roof surface.

Technical specifications

Recommended applications

• Raising the modules on trapezoidal sheet-metal roofs for better ventilation
• Reducing the operating temperature and the thermal power losses
• Creating the space needed for fitting microinverters and optimisers
• Easier access to the wiring under the modules for maintenance

Technical details

Series-level specifications — valid for the product family

The raising element of the K2 BasicRail system is the K2 RailUp set, article code 2003191, made of aluminium, stainless steel and TPC. Its role is to raise the modules above the plane of the rail using a minimum of material, in order to optimise ventilation behind the panels on trapezoidal sheet-metal roofs.

The technical benefit is directly measurable: a lower cell operating temperature means a smaller power loss, because crystalline modules have a negative temperature coefficient for power. On sheet-metal roofs, where the covering heats up strongly and the ventilation space is limited, spacing the module away from the surface has a real effect on summer output. In addition, the space created under the module makes it easier to fit microinverters and power optimisers and to access the wiring later on.

The set includes all the screws and nuts needed for installation and is compatible with the K2 OneMid and OneEnd universal clamps, as well as with the standard module clamps in the K2 range. The manufacturer states that the set is not compatible with K2 AddOn. As with any raising solution, the extra distance from the roof increases the lever arm of the wind forces, which is why the number of fixing points is dimensioned in K2 Base, for the specific site.