PV System on "Frankfurter Pfanne" Tiles: Planning Cable Routing Correctly
The "Frankfurter Pfanne" (Frankfurt Tile) is one of the most commonly installed roof tiles in Germany. Accordingly, solar installers frequently mount PV systems on this type of tile. However, cable routing from the module array into the building interior is often neglected during planning — with consequences for the system's appearance, watertightness, and longevity.
The Challenge: Routing Cables Neatly Through the Roof Surface
With the "Frankfurter Pfanne," the problem lies in its profile. The pronounced wave shape of the tile makes it difficult to route cables tightly and neatly through the roof surface. Often, provisional solutions are chosen: cables are routed out under the verge, pushed through ventilation tiles, or sealed with silicone. All these methods have disadvantages — from insufficient watertightness to maintenance problems.
Why Traditional Methods Are Problematic
- Ventilation tiles: Not designed for cables, often leaky in rain
- Verge routing: Cables are exposed to UV radiation and martens
- Silicone sealing: Ages quickly, becomes cracked and leaky
- Drilling through tiles: Destroys the tile, not a clean solution
The Solution: TPU Roof Penetration for "Frankfurter Pfanne" Tiles
NEXCAPE roof penetrations made of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) are specially developed for routing cables through roof surfaces. The flexible material adapts to the profile of the "Frankfurter Pfanne" and permanently protects the cable at the penetration point from abrasion on the tile edge. (Rain safety itself is, as always, ensured by proper tile installation – the penetration is a mechanical cable protector, not a sealing element.) Production takes place via 3D printing in Germany.
The decisive advantage: Installation is completely tool-free. The original tile is removed, the penetration is inserted, and the cables are threaded through — without drilling and without having to remove the MC4 connectors.
Choosing the Right Length
For the "Frankfurter Pfanne," different lengths are suitable depending on the battens and roofing. NEXCAPE offers three variants:
| Length | Area of Application |
|---|---|
| 105 mm | Flat roofing, low overlap |
| 125 mm | Standard "Frankfurter Pfanne" roofing |
| 150 mm | High overlap, steep roof pitches |
Variants by Number of Strings
Depending on the system size, penetrations are available for 2, 4, or 6 PV strings — each also with an additional opening for an earthing cable (PE variant). This allows all wiring to be routed through a single penetration point.
Advantages for the Installation Company
Thanks to tool-free installation, solar installers save significant time per system. For B2B orders of 20 pieces or more, you also benefit from quantity discounts. NEXCAPE roof penetrations are reliably delivered from Germany.
Find the right roof penetration for your next project on "Frankfurter Pfanne" tiles: find suitable PV roof penetration
