Solar collector permits

hot_rod

awning mount? I understand a lot more installers are going to ground mount for not only looks, but the hassle of roof loading, engineering, etc.

hr

joseph annon

Solar collector permits

I was wondering if anyone has run into their local authority requiring architect or engineer stamped building plans for mounting collectors on roofs. For me a mechanical contractor I now have to pull a building permit and hire an architect and submit plans in triplicate.
I understand the concerns of overloading a roof. From what I have learned is that homes built to code a single collector's weight is within the load capacity of the roof.
Pitched roof more so than flat roofs because a flat roof tends to leak when lag bolts are used to anchor to rafters.(Flat in worst case has some ponding at best 1/4"/ft slope. Most roofs here are flat roofs.
Does anybody else set panels on flat roofs?
Does anybody have to pull a building permit for solar panel installation?

Joe Annon

Brad White_203

Another thought

I can see some authorities, especially in hurricane-prone areas, being concerned regarding wind loads and the stress that puts on the roof structure. That and the stress a flying solar panel puts on whatever it hits.

But specifically, no, I have not run into that. Then again, I do not do much solar consulting at all. But I can share the concerns.

hot_rod

Yes

is some areas I am hearing that AHJ's require building permits. Some areas have solar permits and in some areas you need an inspection and plan approved before you start to be able to get rebates. I believe Wisconsin Focus on Energy requires plan approval to qualify for their rebates.

IAMPO and other code bodies are currently revising and writing solar code requirements. I suspect all codes will follow.

Weight loading should not be a problem. Most panels are under 150 lbs. But wind loading can be a big concern, especially on a flat roof.

Cedar Mountain Solar in New Mexico use 2X10 panels in a sawtooth mount when installing on flat roofs. A nicer look and less wind concerns.

Flat roofs often use a ballasted system, with weights to keep the system on the structure. There are formulas to design systems like that. Florida engineers ar very familiar with wind load designs An engineered drawing may be worth the money spent, both for the AHJ and the liability potential?

This pic shows 3 types of thermal solar ballast mounted on the Caleffi roof top.

hr

Mark Eatherton

The code says...

that if you are contracting to do ANY thing in a jurisdiction that cost more than $50.00 (trash hauling excluded) you MUST have a permit.

As it pertains to solar installations, the jurisdicition can pretty much put whatever constraints they can justify into the mix.

Here in Denver, in addition to the permit, you have to show that you have cleared the historical review designation committee, and the zoning/planning commission to insure that the system does not violate the "bulk plane" requirements of the building.

Other than the busy BS, I do agree that all systems should be mechanically and structurally sound. Nothing scaryer than see a solar collector flying off a roof headed for YOU because it was only lag screwed into the CDX plywood....

ME

Brad White_203

Ballasted Roofs

Ballasted roofs used to be the norm in places like Houston.

One good hurricane later, all of that shrapnel, ah, I mean, ballast, went flying down the glass canyons, causing more damage than the hurricane would have otherwise...

Ooops.

Mike Dunn_2

I too

have to submit a plan and a letter stamped by a structural engineer that confirms that the system design (as it pertains to mounting the collectors on the roof) is sound.

And then they will issue the permit

joseph annon

Assessing old homes

What I am looking for more is what process is anybody going through to determine and what point does the mechanical turn it over to the architect or engineer to determine the load capability of a structure. Homes with attics not much of a problem but flat roof homes have no way of seeing what the structure consists of. From experience I have only seen one roof structure was sagging with solar panels on it. The problem with that roof was that the rafters were undersized WITHOUT solar panel load. I am not trying to get around from pulling permits. Just trying to get a grasp on the extant of what new permits are going to take. Are you guys getting architect or engineer stamped drawings for 50 + yo homes. The authority is requiring roof plans wall section and exact location of solar panel on roof. There are other concerns with neighborhood associations and height restriction however the state legislature passed a law that solar panels cannot be outlawed.

Ron Huber_2

Heliodyne

Heliodyne has a code compliant collector installation manual that provides all the procedures for meeting building codes for installing panels on all types of roofs in all the different areas of the country taking into consideration wind loads and even seismic loading calculations. I think you would be able to use most of the language from this manual in your submital.

Mark Custis

Ground mounts

I like to stay on the ground when possible.

I do not heal as fast as I used to heal.

Nice flick HR