4 Cardinal Rules for Installing Solar on Your Commercial Roof
There are loads of reasons why you might consider installing solar panels on a commercial roof (e.g., reduced energy bills, smaller carbon footprint, etc.), but is it practical? If you’re wondering about the damage arrays could cause to your roofing system or whether they’ll compromise its waterproofing ability, we’ve got some advice for you.
1. Consider the Age of Your Roof When Contemplating Solar
Putting a new array of solar panels on an older roof guarantees that at some point, the solar system will need to be removed so a replacement roof can be installed. It’s best to avoid this hassle as much as possible and install solar within the first one to five years of the roof’s life. The ideal time to consider a photovoltaic roof installation is when you’re already planning a reroofing project.
If you’re unsure about the age and condition of the roof, your roofing contractor can inspect and evaluate it. A roof that is in good condition might be a candidate for coating to extend the life of the roof.
2. Only Let Roofers Make Holes In the Roof
It’s not typical for solar installers to have knowledge of (and skills in) roofing. Anytime an inexperienced person adds penetrations to the roof, you run the risk of damage that can result in leaks, lost productivity, and/or product recalls. Involving your roofing contractor in the process can reduce risk.
Hire a roofing contractor who understands the functional requirements of the roof and is capable of integrating a solar system into it. They can install the racking system and seal penetrations to prevent leaks. When the roofing contractor is done, the solar installers can finish the job. The roofing contractor can even conduct a post-project inspection of the roof to ensure that no damage was done by the solar contractor.
3. Crowded Roof? Put Solar Elsewhere
The best roofs for a solar application are ones with a large wide-open area. If a commercial roof has a lot of ammonia lines, processing equipment, or HVAC systems, it’s usually too congested for a solar application. The biggest reason for this is limited space, resulting in fewer solar panels and less energy output. Another less obvious reason is that crowded roofs typically require a lot of maintenance and have more foot traffic. Talk with your roofing contractor about whether solar is practical given the layout of your roof and how it’s used.
4. Follow Roof System Manufacturer Warranty Requirements
Remember to alert the roof system manufacturer of the project; it’s a warranty requirement to notify the manufacturer whenever you’re modifying the roof.
Considering a solar installation? D. C. Taylor Co. can help you evaluate the opportunity, inspect the roof, and even install the racking. Contact us today at 319.731.4118 or email [email protected].
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