FAQ: Frequently asked questions ☀ Autarq: Next Level Roofs

Autarq solar roof tiles are connected in parallel and operated in the low-voltage range. This makes them particularly flexible in use and very safe for installers and house occupants. An Autarq PV converter is needed to make the low voltage usable for standard solar inverters: It is mounted under the roof and raises the voltage accordingly. Here, too, we attach great importance to safety: Thanks to automatic monitoring, the Autarq PV converter switches itself off automatically in case of danger. By the way: While Autarq solar roof tiles operate in the harmless low-voltage range and the current is only converted at the interface to the Autarq PV converter, conventional solar modules are connected in series – such systems operate under high voltage.

The Autarq solar roof tile system is particularly safe. As it operates in the low-voltage range (< 120 VDC), no dangerous voltage is generated. This is made possible by the special, proprietary development of Autarq solar roof tiles and the Autarq wire harness. Roofers, carpenters and fire fighters can all access the roof without hesitation. In contrast, conventional solar roofs require special fire protection measures. By the way: For Autarq solar roof tiles, no building encumbrance is registered for fire protection. And it goes without saying that despite everything, there is an emergency stop switch on the standard PV inverter.

The Autarq wire harness has three built-in safety features: 1) The extremely robust outer sheath made of irradiated cross-linked polyethylene prevents animal pitting and damage. 2) The horizontal bus cables with centre bar keep the positive and negative conductors at a safe 15 mm spacing – preventing short-circuiting even if one cable were to be damaged. 3) Built-in fuses in cables and connectors are triggered in the event of a short circuit and the damaged area is disconnected from the overall system. Good to know: To date, we have not had a single case of marten damage. Nevertheless, caution would be advisable in the case of a roof that has been proven to be inhabited by martens. In particular, it should be prevented that the animals get from the attic into the area between the roof tiles and the battens.