First the Size, Then the Purchase
You want to run your solar cable neatly through your tiled roof and are wondering which roof penetration fits? The most important question is the size – and that depends on the tile and what needs to pass through (cable with or without MC4 connector, plus grounding).
105, 125 or 150 mm – Which Fits?
The measurement in millimeters refers to the length of the penetration. How much length you need primarily depends on the overlap of your roof tiles – and this varies depending on the type of roofing and installation. That's precisely why there are three lengths:
- 105 mm – the standard for most tiled roofs. Suitable for common tiles and sufficient for PV cables including mounted MC4 connectors.
- 125 mm – more clearance, ideal for higher profiles like the Frankfurter Pfanne or Finkenberger Pfanne tiles.
- 150 mm – the universal size with extra space, for example for multiple cables or particularly high tiles.
Which Tile Type?
Most questions revolve around the tile shape. For the Frankfurter Pfanne and Finkenberger Pfanne, 125/150 mm is usually the safe choice; for flatter tiles, 105 mm is often sufficient. When in doubt, prefer one size larger – it can always be routed through, but too small won't fit.
Which length for which tile?
Important note in advance: The length (105/125/150 mm) is determined by the overlap of your roof tiles – which varies depending on how the roofer installed the roofing. The tile type is only a rough guide; when in doubt, choose the next larger length.
- Frankfurter & Finkenberger Pfanne (high wave profile) – mostly 125 mm, for large overlap 150 mm.
- Heidelberger Pfanne (also high wave profile) – like the Frankfurter: 125/150 mm.
- Double-recessed interlocking tiles / Interlocking tiles (flatter profile) – often 105 mm, for larger overlap 125 mm.
- Flat clay tiles & Beaver tail – here, the suitable design strongly depends on the type of roofing (single/double layer). Send us a photo of your tile, and we'll tell you which penetration fits.
How many cables pass through a penetration is determined by the design – not the length. What they all have in common: The penetration sits in the cutout of the overlapping tile and protects the solar cable as abrasion protection from the sharp tile edge – the rain tightness comes from proper roofing, not from the component itself.
What to Look for in Material
On the roof, there's constant UV, heat, and cold. Material that becomes brittle becomes a problem. Our penetrations are made of TPU, Made in Germany – flexible, impact-resistant, and weather-resistant. This way, the cable remains permanently protected instead of rubbing freely against the tile edge.
FAQ
Do I have to cut the MC4 connector? No – our penetrations are designed so that the connector passes through completely.
Which size for a balcony power plant? 105 mm is sufficient in most cases; for higher tiles, 125 mm.
Does the penetration seal the roof? No – it is purely an abrasion protection: It sits between the solar cable and the tile edge and permanently prevents the cable insulation from rubbing through. Rain tightness, as usual, comes from proper tile roofing – not from the component itself.
Which penetration for the Heidelberger Pfanne? As with the Frankfurter Pfanne: usually 125 mm, for large tile overlap 150 mm – the length depends on the overlap, not on the number of cables.
And for double-recessed interlocking tiles / interlocking tiles? Due to the flatter profile, often 105 mm; for larger overlap, 125 mm.
Conclusion
105 mm for standard, 125/150 mm for high tiles – and always TPU, Made in Germany. Check out the suitable PV roof penetrations and find the right size for your roof.
Directly to the Right Size
- PV Roof Penetration 105 mm – the compact version
- PV Roof Penetration 125 mm – for the Frankfurter Pfanne
- PV Roof Penetration 150 mm – universal for most tiles
- 4-Piece Complete Set – for balcony power plants with 2 modules
Size decided? Then it's time for installation: In our guide Cutting Roof Tiles for PV Cable Penetration – Step-by-Step, we show you how to neatly adapt the tile – without disassembling the MC4 connectors.
Which PV Roof Penetration is Right for Me? (Overview)
Choose according to tile type, number of cables, and cable cross-section. All variants are made of UV-resistant TPU, Made in Germany – the pre-assembled connectors remain attached. They protect the solar cable from abrasion at the tile edge.
| Variant | Tile/Roof | Cables | Cross-section | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY without MC4 | common clay/pan tiles | 1–2 | up to 6 mm² | residential rooftop, installation without connector disassembly |
| Balcony power plant without connector disassembly | tiled roof (rooftop) | 1–2 | up to 6 mm² | plug-in solar on tiled roof |
| 105 mm slotted 16 mm² | common tiles | 1–2 | up to 16 mm² | stronger cross-sections, slim design |
| Pro without MC4, 16 mm² + grounding | common tiles | 2–4 | up to 16 mm² + PE | professional installation with grounding |
| 150 mm Universal | common tiles/pans | several | up to 16 mm² | several cables, largest design |
| 125 mm Frankfurter Pfanne | Frankfurter Pfanne | 1–2 | up to 6 mm² | specifically adapted for the Frankfurter Pfanne |
Unsure about the tile type or cross-section? When in doubt, choose the next larger design – or just ask, we'll help you choose.
With grounding cable? If a grounding/PE cable also needs to go onto the roof alongside the PV cables, our special guide shows you how to neatly run both through one penetration: Running PV cables and grounding together through a tiled roof.
More on the background: Why the roof penetration protects your solar cable from abrasion at the tile edge.
Do you want all the information in one place? Our complete guide: Safely running PV solar cables through a tiled roof (2026) bundles size selection, installation, material knowledge, and FAQ – with all detailed instructions linked.
