Solar Roof Systems

An infra-red scan of the entire roof surface, supplemented with confirmatory cut tests will allow you to determine if there is moisture in the roof and if so, where.

PV panels are typically projected to last 20 years or more.

Both gypsum based and high compressive strength polyisocyanurate cover boards can be used. The gypsum based products have higher compressive strengths and enhance fire resistance, compared with the polyisocyanurate based products. The thicker the board, the greater the protection, but there is no minimum thickness requirement.

We recommend you contact suppliers of such materials for their input.

The membrane system supplier’s authorized applicators can install the referenced system for coverage under the combined warranty.

The performance of the membrane integrated PV system is dependent on a properly designed and installed roof assembly. 

The system can be installed on membrane systems secured with any of the common techniques: adhered, mechanically attached and induction welded.

Not at this time.

The membrane integrated approach presented can only be installed on low slope thermoplastic vinyl membranes.

Power output guarantees are provided by the photovoltaic panel supplier.

In accordance with AIA’s policies for CEU courses, we cannot discuss specific manufacturers as part of the program. Please contact us directly to discuss system specifics.

The system can be installed on membrane systems secured with any of the common techniques: adhered, mechanically attached and induction welded.

The distributed load is typically less than 4 lbs / ft2 in the field of the roof.

An infra-red scan of the entire roof surface, supplemented with confirmatory cut tests will allow you to determine if there is moisture in the roof and if so, where.

The ideal solution for a given project depends on the roof construction for the specific facility based on a number of variables such as roof slope, the roof system’s load capacity, design wind forces, etc.

The integrated system is extremely flexible with regards to lay-out and accommodating roof mounted equipment and penetrations.

There are no specific standards that govern proprietary roof attachments used in solar. The most common process is to submit stamped structural analyses specific for every installation project based on generic codes and standards.

All the components of the integrated solution shown in the presentation including the roof system and the non-penetrating PV attachment assembly are provided by the same roofing manufacturer.

Both gypsum based and high compressive strength polyisocyanurate cover boards can be used.  The gypsum based products have higher compressive strengths and enhance fire resistance, compared with the polyisocynaurate based products. The thicker the board, the greater the protection, but there is no minimum thickness requirement.

We recommend you contact a supplier of such a system for their input.

The seams of a properly installed thermoplastic roofing membrane will last as long as the sheet and should never require stripping. As noted in the presentation, we discourage installing solar PV on roofs older than 5 years.

The first installation was completed in 2012.

The system can be installed on membrane systems secured with any of the common techniques: adhered, mechanically attached and induction welded.

Costs are dependent on a number of project specific parameters.

There is no minimum roof area required for the installation of rooftop solar. Jurisdictions can develop their own clearance requirements, but many follow California Fire Code, which requires the following: 

• 6 ft perimeter setbacks for large commercial buildings, 4 ft for small buildings
• 8 ft aisles every 150 ft
  
• 4 ft setbacks around most roof obstructions, with 4 ft wide access to roof hatches.
  

The economic benefit relative to solar PV array size varies widely by climate, local electricity costs, to name but two of the most important drivers.

The system is not intended for use on a torch down roof.

Yes, we are aware of the solar ready provisions that has been adopted (with some changes) by MA and other states. The big items are the requirement for an obstacle-free solar zone (50% of roof area) and a designated interconnection pathway.

Walk pads are not required between arrays.

The system is designed to allow for thermal movement of the rails without imposing any stress on the membrane assembly.

Yes, the roof installation should be completed before beginning the installation of the solar PV system.

A solar panel that is mounted directly against a roof surface, with the frame touching the roof and no possible air flow, can raise the temperature at the roof surface. But if there is a gap of at least 2 inches between the panel and the roof surface, which is common with a fixed tilt commercial low slope roof system, that effect is negligible. In fact, these systems will shade the underlying roof on sunny days, keeping the temperature lower than the surrounding roof.

Typically, the entire assembly up to and including the rails is installed by the membrane system manufacturer’s authorized applicator.

The system has been installed on more than 10 million square feet of roofing.

The roofing membrane system manufacturer’s technical personnel inspect both the roofing assembly and the integrated assembly up to and including the rail.