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Solar panel mounting system
But other components are also important, for instance the solar mounting hardware. The installation of photovoltaic panels must meet certain rules. It is critical that the panels are properly attached to the supporting structure. The fixing system used to hold solar PV panels on your roof must be strong enough to support the weight of the panels in all weather conditions, including strong wind. They also need to be able to withstand a wide range of temperatures and to be installed in a waterproof manner. The type of fixing system used will depend on whether the solar PV panels are going to be:
- retrofitted onto an existing roof
- roof integrated – used instead of tiles or other roofing materials
IKO Cambridge Xpress 52 Dual Black and SLATEPLAN solar mounting system from Schletter >>>
1. Retrofitted roof panels
Photovoltaic panels can be retrofitted onto an existing roof, meaning on top of the shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials, using roof anchors (also called roof-hooks or brackets), mounting rails and clamps. Mounting rails are usually made of aluminum (due to its lightness) and other components are made of aluminum or stainless steel. The mounting rails are fixed to the roof anchors using a locking system and the panels are then fixed to the mounting rails using clamps. Most makes of solar panel have their own clamping system.
All roof penetrations (whether for solar PV modules, cables, or bracketry) must be durably sealed using purpose-made products capable of accommodating the movement and temperatures to which they may be subjected. In all circumstances the roof weather tightness must be maintained. Holes drilled through roof shingles and underlayment, or any other roofing sealed with mastic or silicone sealant are not considered durable. Purpose-made PV accessories and flashings for the routing of cables from a solar PV module are examples of durable solutions.
Fixing the aluminum rail profiles on a shingle roof only with long crews and rubber/EPDM gaskets is definitely not enough. Over time, there is the risk of leakage due to roof structure movement caused by the temperature differences. Only original PV fixing accessories exactly designed for this purpose are allowed to be used. Some well-known manufactures can offer such PV brackets and all necessary systems.
2. Roof-integrated panels
On new buildings or when a house is being reroofed, you may prefer a roof-integrated solar PV system. The type of roof fixing will depend on your choice of solar PV system. Roof-integrated panels can be supported on frames fixed directly to the rafters and integrated into the rest of the roof using a flashing kit to keep the roof waterproof.
Operation of photovoltaic power plant
The solar PV plant works properly if all individual parts (being photovoltaic panels, optimizers, inverter, fuse elements and possibly a smart meter) are connected. That’s why it is important that an installation of the photovoltaic power plant is provided by a professional company and by installers with sufficient experience. In this case, you will avoid possible malfunctions of the device in the future.
REMEMBER: A shingle roof is certainly suitable for this investment but don’t underestimate the importance of a correct installation!
<<< IKO Cambridge Xpress 52 Dual Black and 10 kW photovoltaic power plant on a roof
A new roof is a big investment for your home. But what if, shortly after the installation, your roof starts showing signs of failure? What can be the reason of new roof failure?
The following topics illustrate the most common reasons of roof failure.
Poor installation/workmanship
Your new roof is only as good as the way it has been installed. The main reason of basic roof failures is bad workmanship. Faulty roofing installation is often the biggest cause when problems arise. When you see the roof is poorly installed, you can expect even more problems to arise later on. So make sure you get your roof checked when in doubt. That way you can avoid leaks, moisture damage or structural disrepair in the future. Want to know how a roof should be installed?
Read our Application Guide or take a look at our installation video.
