Pv Panel Roof Loading

The first issue to consider is the additional loads that the panels will impose.

Pv panel roof loading.

Does anyone have an idea of the approx. The euractive roofer project undertook numerous wind tunnel tests using scale models of roofs with panels as well as testing theoretical calculations that can in time form the basis of a european standard. Wind loading on solar panels depends on three basic factors. Rooftop mounted photovoltaic panel or modules systems shall be installed to resist the component and cladding loads specified in table r401 2 2.

Roof structures that provide support for photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed for applicable roof live load r907 2 wind resistance. Wind speed the height of the panel above the roof and the relative location of the panel on the roof. The same holds true for wind loading as the wind uplift is accumulated through the solar array and directed to the posts that support the solar panel. Both the mounting equipment and the solar panels weigh 2 4 lbs per square foot which is equivalent to 10 20 kg per square meter on average.

We do not address other array configurations or building integrated pv. R324 4 1 roof live load. If the loading to the roof is increased by 15 per cent or more this is a material alteration and formal building regulation approval is required. A typical value for the roofing material itself is 10 psf.

The weight load of the pv system is vital to determine if your rooftop has adequate structural support for pv panels. Roof and wind loading the installation of solar pv panels on the roof on a house needs to comply with building regulations including part a on structural safety. Roof load weight per square foot for pv system including panels racking micro inverters etc. The average panel weighs in at around 15kg per square metre.

For a 16 foot rafter this then results in a 352 lbs. The weight is within the acceptable limits of any roof. It will require much more work to gather information and develop standards specific to wind loading on rooftop pv installations. This is in addition to the weight of the most popular tiles that come in at between 30kg and 60kg per square metre.

Therefore a typical roof with 24 inch rafter spacing and rafters that weight 2 plf would have a dead load of 10 x 24 12 2 22 plf before the solar equipment was added.