Photovoltaic panel waterproofing guide ditch construction diagram

How do I design a photovoltaic and solar hot water system?

Provide an architectural drawing and riser diagram for the homeowner showing the planned location for future photovoltaic and solar hot water system components. Space requirements and layout for photovoltaic and solar water heating system components should be taken into account early in the design process.

What is a roof mounted photovoltaic system guidance?

The guidance refers only to the mechanical installation of roof mounted integrated and stand-off photovoltaic systems; it provides best practice guidance on installation requirements and does not constitute fixing instructions.

Is mechanical design of a PV array within the scope of this document?

Mechanical design of the PV array is not within the scope of this document. BRE digest 489 ‘Wind loads on roof-based Photovoltaic systems’, and BRE Digest 495 ‘Mechanical Installation of roof-mounted Photovoltaic systems’, give guidance in this area.

How do I specify a PV panel?

Specify PV panels and rail/rack systems that have UL 1703 and UL 2703 listing (as applicable), and an ICC AC 428 evaluation report. If the building is insured by FM Global, specify that the PV system have an FM 4478 approval. Specify double-nutting the panel clamp bolts. For the first nut, specify nuts that are furnished with T-bolts.

How do roof mounted PV solar panels work?

Roof mounted PV Solar Panels are typically supported by racking systems which come in two basic forms. The first is a mechanically fastened system and the second, the more common of the two, is a ballast restrained system. The mechanically fastened system penetrates through the roofing membrane and can be used in pitched roofs and flat roofs.

Do rooftop PV panels need to be designed for component and cladding loads?

International Code Council (ICC) International Building Code (ICC IBC) and International Residential Code (ICC IRC): The 2015 editions of the IBC and IRC require rooftop PV panel systems to be designed for component and cladding loads. However, the referenced criteria are not specific to PV systems.