Ready to put a solar PV array on your roof? With solar installations becoming increasingly popular, many building owners, DIYers and new-to-solar contractors are learning about this field. If you’re jumping into the world of solar installations, we’ve pulled together some ideas and important considerations to get you started on the right foot.
We know solar installations often occur when you’re undertaking new roof construction or roof replacements. But before you begin your project, if you don’t have a metal roof, now’s the time to consider getting one. It’s the only roof type able to last and even exceed the entire life of your solar array without the need for replacement. To mount a solar PV system on any other roof type is a bit like putting a Ferrari engine on a Ford Escort chassis.
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Tags:
metal roof,
PV,
rooftop equipment,
exposed fastened,
cost,
installation
When it comes to attaching solar modules to metal rooftops, traditional rails have been a conventional choice. But familiar concepts don’t necessarily deliver the best outcomes, and the advantages of rail-less solutions are moving the industry in a new direction.
Decades ago – when interest in mounting solar PV on rooftops began – the introduction of using continuous aluminum rails as a solar racking system to mount PV modules in place was a practical application for all roof types. Eventually, innovation opened new doors and rail-less solutions were developed specifically for metal roofing. Using discrete hardware to directly secure each module to a metal roof, the new strategy completely bypassed the need for rails and brought some clear improvements.
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Tags:
metal roof,
metal roof clamps,
solar mounting,
metal roof brackets,
standing seam metal roof,
PV,
rail mounted solar panels,
cost,
installation
If you’re thinking of putting solar PV on your metal roof to generate renewable energy and save money over time, you’ve made a great choice. Metal roofs are an ideal platform for mounting solar modules thanks to their long service life and durability. Solar arrays have a service life of 35+ years, and metal roofing has a demonstrated service life of 60 years. Aside from metal, there are no other roof types that measure up to that without requiring replacement. Both standing seam and exposed-fastened metal roofs support solar arrays very effectively.
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Tags:
metal roof,
metal roof clamps,
solar mounting,
metal roof brackets,
standing seam metal roof,
rail mounted solar panels,
rooftop equipment,
exposed fastened,
cost,
installation
Part Three -
Your exposed-fastened (EF) metal roof offers a great opportunity to mount solar panels, snow guards, HVAC equipment or other accessories. But you need to protect your roof’s service life and the performance of whatever you’re installing. To help you make the best decisions upfront, we’ve created a series on 3 Tips for Mounting Anything to Your Exposed-Fastened Metal Roof.
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Tags:
metal roof,
metal roof brackets,
rooftop equipment,
exposed fastened,
installation,
weather-proofing
Part Two -
Welcome to part two of our three-part series on 3 Tips for Mounting Anything to Your Exposed-Fastened Metal Roof. Our goal is to help you preserve your metal roof’s service life as you attach solar panels, snow guards, HVAC equipment or other accessories.
We hope you gained some new insights from our first blog in this series on the importance of materials compatibility.
In the near future, we’ll round out these valuable tips with an explanation of how load testing the brackets of your rooftop-mounted ancillaries is key to protecting your exposed-fastened (EF) metal roof.
Today, we are taking a deep dive into another vital topic to preserve your roof’s integrity: the world of proper sealants.
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Tags:
metal roof,
metal roof brackets,
rooftop equipment,
exposed fastened,
sealants,
weather-proofing
Part One -
Are you mounting solar panels, snow guards, HVAC equipment or other accessories to your exposed-fastened (EF) metal roof?
If so, we’ve put together a three-part series on our top tips for successful installation to preserve your roof’s service life.
Over the course of the next three blog installments, we’ll cover:
- The importance of materials’ compatibility between the mounting attachments and your metal roof.
- The right time and place for you to use EPDM and butyl sealants.
- Why load testing is key to protecting your metal roof.
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Tags:
metal roof,
metal roof brackets,
rooftop equipment,
exposed fastened,
installation,
sealants,
weather-proofing
Non-penetrating rooftop mounting refers to the ability to mechanically attach a clamp to a standing seam roof by gripping the seam in such a way that there is no penetration to the panel material. The best method for standing seam clamp attachment is via round-point setscrews.
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Tags:
metal roof,
metal roof clamps,
standing seam metal roof,
rooftop equipment,
installation
Join S-5! this week for a NABCEP-approved course on wire management. On deck is Mark Gies, S-5!’s Northeast Sales Rep. Missed out webinar? We offer our courses on demand! Visit our Training Center to register and to learn more about our other online course offerings.
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Tags:
metal roof,
PV,
rooftop equipment,
webinar
Whether you are an installer, contractor, architect, engineer, consultant or distributor, the diversity of our educational webinars offers multiple opportunities to expand your knowledge base. These FREE online courses offer practical application of all things mounted to metal roofs from solar and snow guards to utilities like HVAC, satellite communications, roof service walkways and, wind reinforcements. (To see the complete list of courses offered, click here).
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Tags:
snow guards,
metal roof,
solar mounting,
metal roof brackets,
webinar
Micro rails are a relatively common way of attaching a solar array to exposed-fastened metal roofs. This method uses small rail sections in specific areas as needed along the roof – reducing the total length of rails. They have benefits which make them desirable to contractors and installers alike. They provide material and shipping cost savings to the customer when compared to rail systems. In addition, they are small, which allows them to be handled easily onto roofs. They are forgiving with spacing allowing for minimal or customizable walk spaces. Additionally, micro rails can be installed with just a couple of fasteners - potentially cutting installation times compared to rails.
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Tags:
solar mounting,
PV,
exposed fastened
