Solar Ready Roofing Considerations
Moving forward with solar for your facility can be a great option. However, failing to consider your roofs readiness for solar panels could cause a lot of problems. Following the below pointers will help make sure you have a roof that will support and enhance your solar system for years to come.
1. Age of your roof
The average solar panel last 20-30 years. So can your roof, if installed around the same time. A huge mistake many make is putting new solar on an old roof. Even if the roof still has 10 years of good service life, you will end up with an extra costly replacement in 10-20 years. Your replacement will involve removing your perfectly good panels, removing the old roof, installing the new one, and then reinstalling your solar panels. This adds up to a costly replacement and a big inconvenience for you and your contractors. Also, it will start a vicious cycle of mismatched replacement times for your roof and solar. Pairing the two projects together is expensive but also very beneficial.
2. Solar Rack Clearance
Just because you have solar panels doesn’t mean you won’t get leaks under them or need maintenance. That is why for both warranty inspections and for easier maintenance and repairs, it is often required or at least highly recommended that solar supports provide enough clearance for roofing and solar techs to work. Solar racks also should avoid covering seams as much as possible to make repairs and warranty inspections easier.
3. Add Walk Pads
Anything on your roof that will require technicians to service should have walk pads around it to protect the roof. Foot traffic wears on a roof. Most roofs only have to deal with roofing and HVAC contractors. Adding solar contractors makes walk pads even more important. Walk pads help protect your roof, mark a clear path to your equipment, and provide a safer spot to set down tools and materials during a repair.
4. Have a roofing contractor install and flash
Solar installers know what they are doing and will do a great job setting up your panels and tying it into your electrical system. To make sure that your solar anchors do not ruin your roof, a roofing contractor (especially one certified by your warranty provider) should flash and install the penetrations and anchors. Using the right experts at the right points in your project will provide the best results.
5. Design Recommendations
Some common recommendations for all solar ready roof systems.
- Thicker Membrane: 90 mil EPDM or 80 Mil TPO/PVC to provide longer warrantable service life and greater puncture resistance
- Rigid Coverboard: Provides better protection for the extra foot traffic and solar panel supports.
- Higher Fire Resistance: Use materials like PVC and gypsum cover boards for increased fire protection.
- Protective Layers: Use molded pads or slip sheets under panel racks and supports to protect your roof system as specified by supplier.
- Warranty Approved Anchors: Use appropriate anchors with like material flashing to maintain your roof’s warranty.
6. System Specific Recommendations
Somethings to consider for specific circumstances.
- Bi-Facial Solar: Reflective white TPO or PVC membrane to maximize reflections.
- Ballasted: Use block or rock that is roof appropriate and last as long as the panels and roof. Also, use molded pads under panel racks and supports to protect ballasted systems when needed.
Conclusion
Solar and a new roof pair well to enhance your facility. Make sure to do your due diligence and not skimp on a good roof foundation for your potential solar system. Follow and consider the tips above and bring your roofing contractor into the planning for your solar system.
You can learn more about solar ready roofing from Carlisle here.
