Is it acceptable for solar panels to extend beyond the ridge of a sloped roof?
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There are a couple of reasons not to extend a PV array above the ridge of a sloped roof. The most important reason is that it's really ugly and doing so will decrease the value of your house and your neighbors' houses. You may consider your installation to be the pinnacle of technological beauty, but the picture below, from fulltimeroadwarriors.com, is how your neighbors or anyone who visits will see it. Also, most building authorities just won't allow it.
If, by good fortune, you don't have any friends or neighbors to be offended by an unsightly installation, then there are at least two good technical reasons why you shouldn't do it.
No known racking manufacturers offer the structural componenets required to extend above a ridge within their design and installation tolerances. You will have to custom design your racking to withstand the violent wind turbulence that is common at the ridge of a roof. You will most likely also have to hire an engineer to validate your resulting calculations.
A combination of water proofing and roofing components at the ridge can make it very difficult to flash the array mounts properly - this will greatly increase your risk of leaking and rot - and right at the spot where you need your most solid structural contact.
It's best to look at the reasons why you want to extend the array above the ridge. Is it to offset usage on a small roof? Shading? Unsuitable roofing structure? There may be other alternatives. Let us know your specific reason and we'll try to offer some options.
Thanks for the information. A professional roofer can make some suggestions about this matter. There are some fundamental ways to search for and find the right and most reputable roofing contractors. These tips include: contacting the BBB, following up on references and considering the price and proposed project estimates from at least three separate companies. In the USA a well trained roofer is called a journeyman. In California, if a journeyman wishes and has three consecutive years working in the field, he is eligible to pass a state test for a contractors license.
When transforming your domicile to solar power, get started with the places that are the best. Prior to going all-in, purchase small solar kitchen appliances and exterior fittings to get a taste. Converting slowly assists you to stay with it.
Regardless of the solar energy program you end up picking, be sure your panels face the sun. Your solar energy system may well be more productive when your panels are usually going through sunlight, regardless of whether this means modifying them during the entire conditions.
Prevent pushy salesmen. You will most likely come upon pushy salesmen. You should be in a position to resist them and inform them that you desire time to look around. You shouldn't be working together when they don't fully grasp. Making a decision below stress can actually damage you in the long term.
Comments
There are a couple of reasons not to extend a PV array above the ridge of a sloped roof. The most important reason is that it's really ugly and doing so will decrease the value of your house and your neighbors' houses. You may consider your installation to be the pinnacle of technological beauty, but the picture below, from fulltimeroadwarriors.com, is how your neighbors or anyone who visits will see it. Also, most building authorities just won't allow it.
If, by good fortune, you don't have any friends or neighbors to be offended by an unsightly installation, then there are at least two good technical reasons why you shouldn't do it.
It's best to look at the reasons why you want to extend the array above the ridge. Is it to offset usage on a small roof? Shading? Unsuitable roofing structure? There may be other alternatives. Let us know your specific reason and we'll try to offer some options.
When transforming your domicile to solar power, get started with the places that are the best. Prior to going all-in, purchase small solar kitchen appliances and exterior fittings to get a taste. Converting slowly assists you to stay with it.
Regardless of the solar energy program you end up picking, be sure your panels face the sun. Your solar energy system may well be more productive when your panels are usually going through sunlight, regardless of whether this means modifying them during the entire conditions.
Prevent pushy salesmen. You will most likely come upon pushy salesmen. You should be in a position to resist them and inform them that you desire time to look around. You shouldn't be working together when they don't fully grasp. Making a decision below stress can actually damage you in the long term.