How to Mount & Anchor Solar Systems to a Roof
Many people choose to mount their PV (photo-voltaic) array on the roof of their homes. This makes sense, considering that the roof provides a large surface area for laying out flat collection panels, is often high enough to be free of possible obstructions to sunlight, and keeps the PV array away from the dangers of vehicles, pets and other potential ground-level damage. Since mounting solar panels on the roof is also the easiest installation method, many homeowners choose to do it themselves. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Solar panels
- Roof mounting kit
- Stud finder
- Measuring tape
- Cordless drill
- Chalk line or laser level
- Socket wrenches
- Other tools as needed
- Roofing shingles
- Roofing nails
- Silicone caulk
Instructions
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Prior to purchasing your solar mounting kit, make sure that your roof is strong enough to both support your solar panels and withstand the additional stress of wind torque. Call in a professional to evaluate the structural integrity of your roof.
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If you live in the northern hemisphere, choose a southern-oriented roof surface that is free of solar obstructions throughout the day. Use a Solar Pathfinder device to check for obstructions, or ask for assistance from your solar dealer. An obstruction is any object, such as a tree, that will shade the PV array at any time during the day, throughout the year. Measure your available roof surface area to ensure it is adequate for the size of your PV array.
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Most roof mount kits require that you anchor the legs or brackets to your building's rafters. Locate a rafter, using a stud finder if necessary, and mark it with your chalk line. If you know the distance between rafters, use a measuring tape to locate as many as necessary for the size of your mounting kit--refer to the manufacturer's instructions. If you do not know the measurement between rafters, use a stud finder to locate a second one beside the first, then measure the span to determine the intervening distance.
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Using your chalk line or laser level for correct alignment, mark the positioning of the supports, then pre-drill holes through the roofing and into the rafters, using a bit size appropriate to the bolts provided with the kit. Secure mount supports to rafters with a socket wrench with the hardware from your kit.
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Seal the roofing around each mounting support where you have drilled through to the rafters. Nail roof shingles around each support; complete the repair by sealing thoroughly around supports and over nail heads with caulk to waterproof.
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Snap in or screw in the rail system from your mounting kit which will support your solar panels. Be sure that there is a space of 2 to 4 inches beneath the rails, which will hold your panels above the roof surface. This will allow for the passage of air underneath and prevent overheating of your solar-collection array. To correctly angle the panels for optimum performance at your latitude, consult with your solar provider to find the recommended angle for your PV array and adjust accordingly.
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With the assistance of a least one helper, carefully place your solar panels in the mounting framework and secure them according to the manufacturer's directions. Make any minor adjustments needed and check to make sure the system components are secured.
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Call in your electrician to wire the array and connect your solar energy collection system to your other solar energy components.
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