Solar Panel Placement

john monge · 10-19-2012, 06:35 PM

My solar panel instructions say to install on fire resistent surface. Can I assume that standard roof shingles are ok? Would a tin or metal roof be unsafe and become electrified? What about rubber? What roofing products are considered safe for solar panels?
Thanx,
-john-

Oso954 · 10-19-2012, 07:23 PM

You need to talk to your local authority having jurisdiction (LAHJ). They are all over the place on what that means, or have passed there own ordinances on the subject.
Also, some of the fire authorities have jumped in own safe placement of the panels, marking of the system, etc.
Here is a sample of what you might run into:

http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/pdf/reports/...cguideline.pdf

joecaption · 10-19-2012, 07:26 PM

Why not ask the company that made the panels? No one here has ever seen the ones you have and was given no info on which ones you have.

Oso954 · 10-19-2012, 07:48 PM

The item I forgot to mention is many lahj's will require an engineering analysis of the roof.

If I had a choice, I would ground mount them.

McMillan · 10-21-2012, 03:06 PM

Hello, I have the same problem as John, but it`s slightly more complicated

, so I would appreciate good advice if anyone has experience in this. I own a "do-it-yourself" solar system and I do not have the option of consulting manufacturer for opinion or suggestion regarding adequate roof surface.
Actually I built 2KW diy solar panels for direct air heating (it`s not a PV system!) and placed 2 solar units onto part of the roof covered with alu-sheets. Diy guide for my solar panels is located here: solar.freeonplate.com/diy-how-to/DIY-solar-panels.htm
Now I would like to make sure if this is the safest option in terms of fire resistance?

10-19-2012, 06:35 PM	#1
john monge Newbie Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 5	Solar Panel Placement My solar panel instructions say to install on fire resistent surface. Can I assume that standard roof shingles are ok? Would a tin or metal roof be unsafe and become electrified? What about rubber? What roofing products are considered safe for solar panels? Thanx, -john-

10-19-2012, 07:23 PM	#2
Oso954 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 544	Solar Panel Placement You need to talk to your local authority having jurisdiction (LAHJ). They are all over the place on what that means, or have passed there own ordinances on the subject. Also, some of the fire authorities have jumped in own safe placement of the panels, marking of the system, etc. Here is a sample of what you might run into: http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/pdf/reports/...cguideline.pdf

10-19-2012, 07:26 PM	#3
joecaption Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Hartfield VA Posts: 18,840	Solar Panel Placement Why not ask the company that made the panels? No one here has ever seen the ones you have and was given no info on which ones you have.

10-19-2012, 07:48 PM	#4
Oso954 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 544	Solar Panel Placement The item I forgot to mention is many lahj's will require an engineering analysis of the roof. If I had a choice, I would ground mount them.

10-21-2012, 03:06 PM	#5
McMillan Newbie Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 1	Solar Panel Placement Hello, I have the same problem as John, but it`s slightly more complicated , so I would appreciate good advice if anyone has experience in this. I own a "do-it-yourself" solar system and I do not have the option of consulting manufacturer for opinion or suggestion regarding adequate roof surface. Actually I built 2KW diy solar panels for direct air heating (it`s not a PV system!) and placed 2 solar units onto part of the roof covered with alu-sheets. Diy guide for my solar panels is located here: solar.freeonplate.com/diy-how-to/DIY-solar-panels.htm Now I would like to make sure if this is the safest option in terms of fire resistance?

Solar Panel Placement