Residential Solar Panel Roof Load Calculations
If you're thinking about installing solar panels, then it's necessary to determine the load capacity of your roof structure, because the panels could affect the very basic framework of your home.
When you install the panels, your roof will receive an increased load, and the kind of person you need to make the relevant calculations for and against that increased load is a structural engineer.
Engineers specialise in determining whether or not a basic structure can hold up under the conditions for which it was designed plus the installation of solar panels.
How do you know whether the Roof can support Solar Panels?
The crucial aspect of whether the roof can support the substantial weight of the solar panels and whether the engineers involved in the project can supply a certification to that effect will be determined by your engineers. They will review the situation in regard to the number of critical and seasonal factors involved; height and access issues; and, most important, the overall safety of the installation.
What happens if my Roof can’t support Solar Panels?
If the roof can't currently hold the solar panels, our structural engineers will tell you what to do to make it possible. That is, they'll give you the drawings and calculations necessary for the work, and if need be, they'll help you get the job past building control.
Do Solar Panels require planning permission?
In most cases, installing solar panels on a roof does not require planning permission. However, if the roof faces a main road and is part of a Conservation Area, the usual rules about not needing permission may not apply. When considering panel installation, keep these factors in mind:
• The panels should be mounted below the ridge of the roof and may not project more than 200mm from the roof or wall.
• If the building is a Listed Building, you need to obtain Listed Building Consent.
• If the panels are no longer used for micro-generation, they should be removed.
Calculations for Solar Panels on Commercial Roofs
Our team of structural engineers conducts the necessary calculations to ensure the safe and effective installation of solar panels on commercial roofs. We also handle the structural design work for other solar plant components, as well as for machinery and green roof systems. Our property types range from large industrial portal frames to office buildings and period retail.