b'(RRC) could be beneficial to over- system with a proven track re- betteratreducingfire/spread seethecoordinationbetweenthecord of lasting at least as longofflamefromthepanelbot-roof and solar systems. as the intended solar energy sys- tom side compared to glass on Somemayrecallthatinthetem should be selected. the panel top side only. Use PV 1990s,theroofingindustrywas Theroofassemblyshouldbemodules with glass back sheetsveryconcernedwithrooftopsolardesigned with the solar energyas recommended in FM Global and who was going to own the roof.systeminmind.SomepeopleProperty Loss Prevention Data Manycostlymistakesweremadeuse the term solar-ready roofSheet1-15,Roof-MountedSo-withrooftopsolarinthoseearlyfor this type of design, whichlar Photovoltaic Panels. 4days. Solar was being installed overusually includes a thicker roof Installroofwalkwaysinareasexisting roofs of all types and ages,membrane (72 or 80 mil [1.8 orwheretrafficwilloccurbe-even though it makes little sense to2.0 mm] for single-ply materi- tween solar arrays and in areas install solar on a roof that is near theals) for additional weather andof expected solar maintenance end of its service life. The roof lifetrafficresistance.Werecom- and cleaning.cycle should be aligned with the so- mend placing a gypsum hard-Install a second layer of compat- lar energy systems lifespan, which iscover board over the insulationible roof membrane as a protec-typically 20 to 30 years. to protect the insulation fromtion layer beneath the ballastedFigure 2: Comparison of roof membrane temperature to ambient air.solar installation traffic, providesolar racking system. Figure courtesy of Centroplan and Sika Sarnafil.Keys to a Successfula solid support for the solar ar- Allroofpenetrationsshould SolarRoof ray and improve fire resistanceberound-shapedforease The good news is that both theof the roof system. offlashing. Usingaroofmembranewith solarandroofingindustrieshave gained considerable experience andexcellentfireresistanceprop- Does Rooftop Solar Help or now understand what is needed toerties is also recommended. AHurt the Roofs Weathering make a rooftop solar project a suc- solar array is a small electricalPerformance?cess. The following are general rec- system/plant.Selectingaroof ommendationsforasuccessfulso- membrane and system that pro- Experiencesuggeststhatifa larroof: videsfireresistanceisasmartsolar-ready roof is installed and theTheroofandstructuremustinvestment.Thereareroofsolarinstallertakesreasonablepre-becapableofsupportingthemembranes that support com- cautionsduringsolarstagingand weight of the solar array andbustion and others that do not. installation, the solar energy systemInstallalight-colouredreflec- will have little to no impact on the anyadditionalsnowloads that could occur from driftingtive roof membrane to reducequality of the roof system. The roof snow (in cold climates). (Note:rooftoptemperature.Solarshould be inspected right before and Asdiscussedlater,therearepanels are more energy efficientafter the solar install. Most roofing solarrackingsystemsthatdoatcoolertemperatures. 3 Andmanufacturerswillprovidearoof not require any weight/ballastwhere bi-facial solar panels (so- inspectionforanominalfee,pro- Figure 3: Comparison of roof membrane temperature with and without photo-to hold the solar array in place,lar panels that capture sunlightvided they are given adequate timevoltaic panels. Photo courtesy of Centroplan and Sika Sarnafil.which lessens the load on thefrom both the top and bottomto schedule theinspections. theroofmembranetemperaturesummer day. The temperature of the roof structure.) of the panels) are used, solar en- Acommonquestionaskedbydirectly below the solar panels andmembranelocatedbelowthesolarThe solar PV system should notergy reflected from the light-co- customersregardingthesolarpan-loured roof membrane can addels is, Do the dark solar panels cre- between the solar arrays where thepanels(yellowline)showsalower impede rooftop drainage. to the overall energy efficiencyate more heat and therefore weathermembraneisexposeddirectlytotemperature profile than the mem- The roof and the solar energy of the panels. theroofmembraneprematurely?thesunlight. braneexposedtodirectsunlight systemshouldbetestedand Fire testing of solar panels withTemperaturemeasurementstakenFigure 2 shows the temperature,(redline).meetcoderequirementsfor both fire and wind. Today thereglass on both the top and bot- throughoutthedayonlow-slopedwhich was measured throughout theIn Figure 3, the actual tempera-areroofsystemsinclusiveoftom sides (known as glass-glassroofs, using a light-coloured, reflec- day. It shows an increase in ambientturedifferencebetweenthemem-thesolarrackingsystemthatpanels) has confirmed that thesetive roof membrane, have been takentemperatureduringthemiddleofbrane below the solar panels (yellow have passed FM 4478, Approvaltypes of panels are significantlyby Centroplan and Sika Sarnafil ofthe day (grey line) typical for a sunnyline) and the membrane not below Standard for Rigid Photovoltaic Modules, 1 andpassUL2703, MountingSystems,Mounting Devices,Clamping/Retention Devices,andGroundLugsfor Use with Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels. 2Allpartiesinvolvedwith theroofandsolarshould beincommunicationand inagreementregarding projectobjectives. Ifroofinstallationandsolar installationaretwoseparate events, consult with the roofingRoof Consulting ServicesmanufactureroranRRCtoOur architects, engineers, technical specialists, and construction experts specialize in the obtainrecommendationsandassessment, design, remediation, and quality observation of buildings and property assets.We can help you increase the lifespan of your property, improve energy, comply with codes and determinewhetherthesolarregulations, and maintain a safe environment.energy system will have any im- Our expertise is related to:pact on the roof or its warranty. Third Party Rooftop Quality Assurance Project Management & AdministrationSubstrate Structural Testing Asbestos Testing The roof is the foundation forAdhesion & Fastener Testing Plaza Decks & ParkadesRoof Condition AssessmentRoof Anchor Design & Testingthe solar energy system, and theRoong Design & Sepcications Green Roofs & Photovoltaicroofs life expectancy should be alignedwiththesolarenergy604.295.8070 rimkus.comsystemslifespan.Aroofing ORN THE ONLY SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ICI ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN ONTARIO ONTARIO ROOFING NEWSISSUE 3 202325'