As the solar industry matures, installers and building owners are thinking more carefully about the long-term O&M implications of roof-mount installations. In particular, they are considering the potential need to re-roof under a solar array.
Driving the possibility is the difference in expected lifetimes between commercial roofs, which can require replacement after 15 years, and roof-mounted solar arrays, which claim a lifespan of 20 years or more.
The variation in lifetimes means the racking removal and reinstallation process can be as important a consideration as the initial installation. No longer is it sufficient to evaluate mounting systems solely based on one-time labor requirements.
Instead, it has become imperative to add additional labor and logistics intelligence to the evaluation criteria, such as:
- How easy is it to remove one module? Several modules?
- How many operations are required to disassemble the entire system?
- Does it take as much time to reinstall the system as it did to install it the first time? (Remember, every minute the system is not generating power, it is not generating income, either.)
- Is it possible to stack the system components so they can be removed from the roof safely and without damage? If so, how complex is the methodology, and what packing materials are needed?
- How many fasteners are required? Are they standard? If fasteners are lost during disassembly, how difficult is it to procure more?
With long-term installation success in mind, the answers to questions such as these must be considered in choosing the optimal mounting system for a given project.
One of the most important considerations relates to the longevity of the racking supplier. With removal and reinstallation a possibility, it is important to be able to rely on project partners for assistance with the process whenever that time comes. And if proprietary parts are lost or damaged, it is essential to know that they can be replaced, even if that mounting system is no longer in production.
Simply, it is critical to not get caught unprepared. When choosing your next commercial rooftop mounting system, use these questions as a guide to avoid the financial pitfalls that have the potential to accompany the inevitable removal and reinstallation of a mounting system that has not been designed to facilitate the realities of roof maintenance.
By Marc Clark, managing director, SunLink, Canada
Wilfredo Hernandez says
This article has some good questions to ask when consider a solar roof. For example “How easy is it to remove on module?” or “Does it take as much time to reinstall the system as it did the first time?” These seem like important questions to ask when installing a roof. http://www.roofswest.com
John Mclaughlin says
It really is interesting that there are so many different kind of options that are available to those who are looking for some kind of alternative power for their buildings. Something that really would be incredible is to have a way to know the best kind of ways to keep your solar panels working year around. I personally found it interesting that you mentioned to make sure to also check the kind of braces that are being used to mount the solar panels. That is an interesting detail to make sure to emphasize. Thank you for sharing.
http://dreyroofing.com/residential/roofing/
GeraldVonberger says
I definitely agree that it’s smart to vet the contract well. If you don’t know what some of the clauses mean, you should check with someone that does understand contract legal language to explain it to you. I feel like solid contracts are the basis for good transactions. They set the right expectations for all the parties involved if they’re done right. That could be one of the best ways to make sure the roofing gets done right. http://www.pyramidroof.com/products.html
Johnson McGee says
Knowing how complex the solar panel system is would be very helpful. If you need to do some maintenance on it, having some knowledge about it is a good idea. I always take the time to educate myself on equipment I own. That way, when it needs to be fixed, I can do it myself.
http://www.tvroofing.ca
Gianfranco says
Solution is maybe to install a mobile PV system, easy to remove and reinstall as https://youtu.be/tlJ4cBcbuFc. http://www.pwrstation.com
Speaker2 says
The median service life of a commercial low slope roof in the US is 17.2 years. Even installing a solar array on a new roof system, odds are the roof system will have to be replaced long before the service life of the solar array is up. Installing an solar array over an existing roof is a 100% sure guarantee the roof will have to be replaced. Often times a solar array will accelerate the roof system aging process. Increased foot traffic, lack of access due the array roof coverage to maintain the roof and the negative impact of ballasted racks on the roof surface means an even shorter roof system service life.
Decommissioning – disassembling – removing the array and storing the array off the roof while the roof is replaced and then reinstalling the array will cost most than the original solar installation. Plus the question of finding spare parts or even finding replacement modules 10-12 years down the road is questionable.
You can design a 30-year roof system, just be aware the roof systems will easily cost 100% to 200% more than a typical commercial roof. Too often is trying to design an solar array for the lowest per watts will equal a system costing far more in the long run because the current roof and future roof replacement is not factored in..
One of the best solutions is have a roofer install the array after installing a proper long performing roof system designed to match the service life of the roof.