Solar Roof Panels

Very basic non-technical Information concerning fixed racking systems.

Standard:
Racking systems are attached to the roof and the modules are attached to the racks. Installers will penetrate the roofs at the rafters, install their roofing connectors, seal up the penetrations and then install the racking system to the connectors. As in all racking systems, the angle is not the issue. It is the penetrations that are made to the roof. Note, the one on the left is at a lower angle than the one in the middle, which is lower than the one on the right.

Non Penetrating (ballasted)
Occasionally, we find customers that do not want their roof penetrated. That can be a severe challenge to installing solar. So, here is a non-penetrating ballasted system. The racking system is secured to the roof by weights (tap blocks) placed on the underbelly of the racks. No penetrations at all. This seems to be the best of both worlds, however there are 2 possible challenges: first there is an upcharge adding 10% to the total cost, secondly, the weight of the modules, racking system and the tap blocks might be too much of a load on the roof.

Lastly, there is a hybrid, which minimizes penetrations. It is as costly as the ballasted system, has penetrations and is reduced in weight. If the customer insists on a ballasted system (and in NJ with the generous SREC's Federal tax credits and depreciations, why not) and the weight is a problem, they have choices: secure the roof so there is no weight problem, use a hybrid racking system whereby we can have their roof specialists monitor the penetrations or just not do solar)