Most US rooftops can take the weight of solar systems
WASHINGTON, April 28, 2016 - The Energy Department’s Solar America Cities
program found that a primary barrier to solar adoption is the difficulty and
cost of obtaining construction permits for rooftop solar installations because
of structural issues. A three-year study
led by Sandia National Laboratories to
address the problem concludes that most U.S. rooftops in good repair can hold
the weight of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
According to Sandia structural engineer Steve Dwyer, many
code officials aren’t familiar with solar technology and lack the training to
evaluate how a solar PV system might affect roof structure. “So they bring
structural engineers into the permitting process, adding time and money for the
system owner and the solar contractor. Often, they then deny engineering
certification for solar PV installations on wood roofs, declaring the
structures too weak.”
Sandia’s study concluded that the actual load-bearing
capacity for residential rooftop structural systems is several times higher
than the calculated values.
Sandia hopes engineers and permitting officials will use the
study’s results when they make decisions about rooftop strength and solar PV applications,
increasing the number of safe, cost-effective rooftop solar PV installations.
“There is a misperception in the building industry that
existing residential rooftops lack the strength to carry the weight load of
rooftop solar photovoltaic installations,” says Dwyer. “Most existing
well-built wooden rooftops can support PV system loads.”
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