PG Group Photovoltaic Structure System for Lechtom (Świdnica)
General Information
- Client: Lechtom Sp. z o.o.
- Location: Świdnica, Lower Silesia
- Scope delivered by PG Group: Design, production and supply of supporting structures for PV installation mounting
- Number of structure types used: 4
- Project goal: Maximum utilisation of available surfaces for PV mounting while maintaining aesthetics, durability and technical consistency
Diversity of Structures as the Project’s Strength
As part of the realisation for Lechtom, PG Group designed and supplied four types of supporting structures – ground-mounted, roof-mounted (on flat roof and sandwich panel) and facade-mounted. This scope required an individual approach to each segment of the building in terms of statics, aesthetics and integration with existing infrastructure. Particular attention was paid to maximising the use of available space and visual consistency – regardless of the mounting location, all elements had to appear as part of a single, well-considered whole.
Facade Structure – More Than Just Mounting
The most interesting element of the investment was the facade structure. The modules were installed at an inclined angle, which increased energy yield by improving the angle of light incidence. Additionally, the installation serves as passive building cooling – by partially shading the walls, it limits the heating of refrigeration units inside the building. The project required the development of three different mounting variants due to varying fixing conditions along the facade, making it one of the more complex facade systems produced by PG Group.
Roof Structures – Adapting to Constraints
On the flat roof, a joist-mounted structure was used, allowing existing installation obstacles and steel elements to be avoided. The sandwich panel roof required precise fitting to the sheet’s folds. In both cases, the key was to optimise the module tilt angle, maintain the load-bearing capacity of the roof structure and minimise interference with the building’s insulation. The wind bracing used not only improves the aerodynamics and durability of the system but also gives the installation a more refined, aesthetic appearance.
Ground System – Greater Scale, Greater Challenge
The ground-mounted part of the installation was designed in a 5-row arrangement, which allowed for increased panel density compared to standard 4-row tables. This solution required more stable foundations and appropriate load distribution, especially in the context of local wind and snow conditions. As a result, it was possible to significantly increase the installation’s power without expanding the site area.
Materials and Coatings – Durability for Years
Zinc-magnesium coated steel (ZN-Mg) was used for all structural elements. This material provides excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in high-humidity conditions such as near industrial refrigeration units. Crucially, the ZN-Mg coating has self-healing properties – in the event of minor mechanical damage, it protects the steel surface from further oxidation, significantly extending the service life of the structure.
Estimated Energy and Environmental Effects (at 50 kWp)*
- Annual production: approx. 55,000 kWh
- Energy savings: approx. PLN 38,500/year (at PLN 0.70/kWh)
- CO₂ reduction: approx. 44 tonnes/year
- Typical payback period: 6–8 years (with full system integration)
*Assumptions based on typical PV performance in the Wrocław region. PG Group did not design the electrical system.
Senior Design Engineer’s Comment – Paweł Legut
“This project was one of the more complex ones due to the large number of different structure types and their integration with the building’s existing infrastructure. The facade proved particularly demanding – due to the variability of fixing points and the need to achieve both aesthetics and an optimal module tilt angle. Through the application of individual design solutions and appropriately selected materials, we achieved a system that is not only efficient but also visually coherent and durable for years.”
Summary
The realisation of the photovoltaic structure system for Lechtom in Świdnica is an example of successfully combining design individuality with technical repeatability. Thanks to the flexible approach of the PG Group design team, structures were adapted to very varied mounting conditions – from a flat roof through a facade to a ground-mounted installation – while maintaining high standards of strength, aesthetics and functionality. This project proves that technical diversity need not mean structural chaos: on the contrary, thoughtful integration of multiple solutions can become the greatest asset of an investment.