Structural Engineering for Roof-Mounted Solar Projects
There are three steps to finalize the structural feasibility for any roof-mounted solar project. In this section, each one of these three steps will be explained in detail. Determine the
Roof mounted PV Solar Panels are typically supported by racking systems which come in two basic forms. The first is a mechanically fastened system and the second, the more common of the two, is a ballast restrained system. The mechanically fastened system penetrates through the roofing membrane and can be used in pitched roofs and flat roofs.
Aluminum provides the exact same characteristics. The length of the rails is decided based on the design layout. The structure also differs for trapezoidal roofs and standing seam types of roofs. In this type of structure, solar panels are mounted parallel to the roof, hence called flush-mounted structures.
The larger the surface area required to support the PV system, the greater the potential impact on the building structure. The use of rooftop solar panels increases the superimposed dead load (SDL) of the roofing system and can have varying impact on a building depending on what material is being used for the structural system.
Designers must design roofing systems for the structural impact of existing, new and future solar panel installations. Roof mounted PV Solar Panels are typically supported by racking systems which come in two basic forms. The first is a mechanically fastened system and the second, the more common of the two, is a ballast restrained system.
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