Can Your Roof Support The Additional Weight From Solar Panels
Solar panels arent exactly big heavy bricks, but they do weigh something – around 2.5 to 2.7 pounds per square feet. Before installing your system, its a good idea to make sure your roof can support the added weight. In the vast majority of cases – lets say about 95% – solar panels can be installed on roofs that dont need any additional support.
However, to ensure solar panels arent installed on any of the 5% of roofs that cant support the weight, a third-party structural engineer will evaluate the roof and give their stamp of approval. If needed, additional support can be added.
Instructions For Installing Solar Panels On Roofs
Here are the pro tips when mounting solar panel systems on shingle roofs:
Step 1: Lay out the installation materials you need.
Make sure that all the materials necessary for installation are nearby. You surely wouldnt want to go from the roof and back repeatedly.
Step 2: Determine where the stanchions go.
Find the roof rafters with the aid of a stud finder or your homes blueprint. These will help you figure out the correct placement of the stanchions. Position the stanchions at least 4 feet apart.
Step 3: Fasten the screws to the roof.
When fastening the screws to the roof, utilize a drill to create holes in the rafters.
Step 4: Tightly put the screws in the holes and secure them.
It would help if you tightly secured the lower and upper aluminum rails to the stanchions. Utilize bolts to do this. Since optimal tightness is required, utilize an impact driver to achieve this.
Afterward, make sure that you seal the screws tightly to maintain the thermal envelope of your home. Substantially, thermoseal roofing is the most excellent way to execute this.
This approach will help keep an incredibly tight lock on your roof and prevent any elements from getting inside. Leakage is less likely to emerge if the stanchions are correctly installed.
Step 5: Gauge the distance from the rails.
Gauge the distance from the rails when installing solar panels. Put a measuring tape diagonally from the top of one rail to the bottom of the rail situated directly across from it.
A Engineering Site Survey
You have already done the preliminary site assessment and capacity assessment during the pre-contract phase. But after the contract, the installer will send an engineer to your home to assess the structural soundness of your roof and the internal electrical wiring and electrical panel box in your basement. He/she will also do the final shadow analysis of the roof and take the exact measurement of the shadow-free area, the place for the inverter and other accessories to install, and cable length.
The type of roofing material and the structural soundness of the roof is important for wind loading. Basic wind speed again depends on your locality and there are certain local building codes to be followed. All these will decide the type of racking systems suitable for the solar panels to be fixed.
For the aesthetic aspect and any of your preferences, he/she may take your final consent or opinion.
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Affixing Solar Panel Systems On The Other Roof Types
Standing Seam Metal Roof
Among the other types of roofs, this one is the easiest to deal with when roof mounting solar panels.
A standing seam metal roof is super sturdy. Moreover, it saves you the trouble of determining where the trusses are. Since you can utilize a U-clamp to mount the panels, it is unnecessary to drill holes.
Tile Roof
It is required to remove a few tiles when affixing the panels on a tile roof. From there, you can mount the tile hooks and flashings onto your roof.
The potential setback of affixing panels on a tile roof is the possibility of damage during the installation process. You might need to change the tiles once you have accomplished the job.
Flat Roof
Use a ballasted racking when installing the solar panel systems on a flat roof. Cinder blocks can reinforce the entire structure of your solar panel.
This type of racking allows you to adjust it to a 30-degree angle to absorb an ample amount of sunlight.
Ground Mounts Vs Roof Mounts: Quick Summary
Roof mounts are less expensive because they use your existing roof structure as a foundation. They also take up less room on your property. Ground mounts take up more space, but theyre easier to access for installation and repair. They also give you greater control over the orientation of your array to maximize production.
Once you have your solar panels picked out, its time to decide which mounting system is best for your living space, budget, and energy needs.
There are two types of solar mounting options: roof mount and ground mount racking systems. Roof mount systems affix to brackets on your roof, while ground mount systems are built into a foundation at ground level. See the comparison images below for examples.
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Its Easy To Mount Solar Panels On A Metal Roof
Typically, your solar installer will drill holes in your roof so that they can attach the mounting for your solar panels. This is one of the main areas of concern for many homeowners considering solar, as an improperly mounted solar panel system can cause leaks or other roof issues. Most qualified solar installers offer workmanship warranties and roof warranties to reassure their customers that there will be no issues with the installation.
If you have a metal roof, however, your solar installer likely wont need to make any holes in your roof at all, which virtually eliminates the possibility of issues down the road. There are a few alternative mounting options that make installing solar on a metal roof easier:
- Standing seam metal roofs: Two different solar panel mount manufacturers, Quick Mount PV and Ecofasten, have products designed specifically for metal roofs with standing seams. If you have a standing seam metal roof, your installer can attach panels using a mounting system that clamps onto the seams of the roof without having to make any holes. As an added bonus, using this type of racking can speed up installation times because your installer wont have to drill holes into the roof.
Are Solar Panels Good On A Flat Roof
A flat roof can be better for solar panels than a slanted roof. However, there are some issues you need to understand before installing solar panels on a flat roof.
If you have a flat roof, youll want to ensure there is no shade from nearby trees or buildings. A shaded solar panel will not generate as much power as an unshaded panel. If you cant clear the trees or buildings, your solar system will operate at a reduced capacity.
One thing to think about is the weight of the solar panels. Solar panels can be pretty heavy, so make sure your roof can support the weight.
Youll also need to ensure enough space on your roof for the panels. If you have limited space on your roof, you may need to consider a smaller panel size.
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Are Solar Panels Too Heavy For Flat Roofs
Solar panels designed for rooftops are usually not heavy enough to cause issues. When problems occur, they are often due to damaged roofs or problems with older infrastructure.
Consider the potential weight of snow and ice. If this added weight might be problematic, check the weight capacity of your structure. Some cold-weather solar panels are heavier than standard panels.
If you are concerned about your roofs ability to support the weight of the panels, have a roof inspection completed. This inspection will help determine if your roof has any underlying defects impacting structural integrity.
How To Install Solar Panels On Your Roof
If you are considering installing a solar system in your home for some time, then the best time is now as the cost of the solar panels has gone down drastically over the years and so has the price of the solar system. The solar system is now cheaper, time-tested, and financially viable. Governments are also providing various incentives to encourage the adoption of more and more solar systems by homeowners.
But before taking any decision, it would be prudent to know a few basic things with little research about solar panels and the type of roof your property has. One should be also aware of the types of solar rooftop systems, local rebates, and financing options.
That will help you to finalize the best suitable system for you and to ask the right questions in negotiating the contract with the solar supplier or installer.
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What To Do If I Cant Install Solar Panels On My Roof
We touched briefly on the possibility that the roof may not be the best place for a solar panel mount. In that case, you will probably benefit from a ground mount solar system. Solar panels can be mounted on a pole or frame and placed in a sunny location. You will need to ensure that trees or other objects do not shade the solar panels during the day. A solar ground mount or a pole-mounted system typically requires more maintenance than roof-mounted systems. Also, you may need extra permissions, depending on your area.
How To Mount Solar Panels On Metal Roof
If you are fortunate to have a metal roof on your home, you can still install solar panels without struggle. All you have to do is get the solar panel mounting systems that clamp on your roofs metal standing seams.
What if your house has a metallic corrugated rooftop?
In that case, you will have to use different mounting systems. For instance, you will need special brackets that will attach to the roof panels top crests and leave the low-lying grooves for drainage. The shape and pattern of the metal roof play a vital role.
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Installing Solar Pv Panels On Tiled Roofs:
As mentioned earlier, solar panels can be set up on different types of roofs. Tiled roofs are most common in Australia and these types of tiles are stripped. The rafters are screwed onto the brackets of stainless steel and then the tiles are again restored as per their earlier position.
A clear space is left between the roof and the PV panels when the railing systems get on the steel brackets. This helps in air circulation between PV panels and tiles and also to cool the Photovoltaic panels during hot summer days.
Solar panel mounting systems use rails and brackets in order to connect the to the roof structure.
Weights of the frame, as well as the solar PV panels, are spread across the coverage area. The weight of the photovoltaic panels is fairly light even though theyre solid. The gross weight of tiles, brackets, and frames is about 22kg per square meter.
Non-cyclone areas in Australian roofs allow this weight range for the roofs without any extra bracing. You can find different kinds of and different brands of solar energy mounting systems in the market. Get in touch with AVIVA Energy Solutionsto get the perfect solar system suitable according to your roof type.
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Work With Professional Solar Panel Installers
At Roof Master, we dont just install solar panels we also do the design work and provide you with all necessary equipment. We have solid experience in this industry, so rest assured that our team knows how to get your system set up correctly.
Contact us now if you have any further questions or would like to set up a consultation.
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What You Need To Know
Some basic steps are necessary for installing a solar panel on the roof. You need to keep in mind that these may differ from the roof you have in your house. It is always preferable to ask the contractors specific questions for the installation project. However, the main steps comprise of these:
- the mounts are placed 4 feet apart on the rafters
- holes are drilled into the rafters
- steel bolts are used to secure the mount and to seal the area surrounding it
- the solar panel should be fastened on the mount
- now connect the solar panel to the electricity supply
This should be remembered that although these steps sound easy, they might even cause permanent damage to the roof if not taken care of. But if you have been wondering about installing solar panels for a long time and want to shift to an eco-friendly lifestyle, then there is no better time than this one. There is a certain decrement in solar panels prices, so the solar PV systems are easily acquirable.
Therefore, now getting these solar panels for your house is more convenient and economical than before.
What Are Solar Shingles
Solar panel shingles are a type of solar panel designed to look like traditional asphalt roofing shingles. Solar shingles are made of thin-film photovoltaic cells laminated onto a backing material, thus are less visible on the roof and can provide a more aesthetically pleasing option for some homeowners. Solar shingles for your roof are also easier to install than traditional solar panels.
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Types Of Solar Panels In The Market
There are three main types of solar panels predominantly available in the market. They are mono-crystalline, poly-crystalline, and thin film solar panels. Mono-crystalline solar panels are the most efficient. For example, a 200W 9BB mono crystalline solar panel by BougeRV is 22.8% efficient. That means this panel is capable to provide more energy in a short time and also occupies less space. This also means a lesser number of panels, fewer mounting systems, and less wiring. That reduces the overall cost of the system.
Then comes the poly-crystalline solar panels which are 18-19% efficient and thin-film solar panels which are less efficient than the poly-crystalline panels. Some thin-film panels are flexible and have other uses and advantages.
Do You Have Any Trees That Will Need To Be Removed
Trees are one of the main causes of roof damage and can also cause a lot of damage to your solar panels. Removing any overhanging tree branches will be essential before you can install your solar panels. Additionally, overhanging tree branches will shade your solar panels and keep them producing the optimal amount of electricity.
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Mounting Before Interior Build
The best option would be to mount the solar panels before you build out the interior of the skoolie. This allows you to see from the interior and use bolts with large washers or even larger pieces of sheet metal to increase the surface area underneath the body of the bus where the brackets, angle iron, u-channel, or other items you need to attach to the roof to mount the solar panels.
However, to mount solar panels this early you have to figure out many things ahead of time. Items such as electrical placement and layout of everything that will be mounted on the roof such as vent fans or a deck need to be considered. Then, you have to spend the money on solar equipment early on in the project, which electrical is one of the largest skoolie build costs. This also starts the time clock of wear and tear of the components, along with the warranties.
For all of these reasons, we decided to put off doing our solar electrical until almost the end of our build. It is much easier to do it early on, but we wanted to make sure our solar panels were fresh and ready to go when the skoolie was finally ready to hit the road. We also figured out a way to securely mount things to sheet metal and ribs of the skoolie, which we will discuss in the next section.
How To Install Solar Panels On A Skoolie
There are a few different ways to install solar panels on a skoolie which include simple z-brackets, using angle iron, using Unistrut, or building a custom solar panel roof rack for a skoolie.
There are different approaches to consider with each of these options which include mounting them completely flat, mounting them pitched on an angle of the roof, or being able to adjust them to follow the sun throughout the day.
The type of solar panels and size of solar panels also play into making the decision of which method you will want to use.
We will go through all of these skoolie solar panel mounting methods and options in this guide so you can pick the best option for your skoolie.
Contents
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Your Roof Required Condition For Panels
Your roof must be in good condition to support PV panels. The average weight of most residential solar panels is around 40 pounds.
These panels plus mounting hardware add about 3 to 4 pounds per square foot of load to your roof. This weight isnt much but is capable of destabilizing roofs that are in poor condition.
PV modules are also flat, making them susceptible to strong winds. For example, the wind might blow off your panel if you anchor it to a deteriorated or rotted roof.
Always inspect your roof for potential damages before you mount solar panels. Vital aspects you should check include:
Watch out for damaged trusses, leaks, mildew, streaks, and cracked shingles.
Remember, a damaged roof lacks the structural integrity to support any additional load. Consider hiring a roofing expert to assess your roof condition.
