PV on slate? [RE-wrenches]

[William Korthof]

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I don't remember doing any installations on slate roof, but we've done 
many on various (obsolete) synthetic tile roofs (ie, calshake and 
hardishake). The issues on slate are similar to the synthetic tiles... 
the roofing material breaks when you take it up, breaks when you walk on 
it, and it's an issue to find+install replacement roofing that matches.
At least with slate, you have a chance of finding matching materials.
But retrofit work on these roofs is problematic, often you're better off 
completely replacing the roofing under the array with composition shingles.

We do work with an experienced roofer (actually two who are both great); 
I would not consider working on the difficult roofs without a roofer... 
it's way too easy to have a problem that costs money, leaks, or both...

/wk


Jeff Clearwater wrote:
> Hi Nicholas,
> 
> 3 best approaches  that come to mind for slate roofs:
> 
> 1)  Reconsider doing it
> 2)  Pole Mount near the building
> 3)  Hire an experienced slate roofer to work with you and give as much 
> of the liability as possible to them.
> 
> I don't mean to be pessimistic and I do encourage you to go for it - it 
> would be nice to be able to respond to any roof type in the industry - 
> but the little work I did with slate roofs in the early 80s with solar 
> hot water in Vermont taught me that damage to the roof during 
> installation is a major liability besides the issues of attaching mounts 
> - especially the steeper you go.  The roof trac system from ProSolar for 
> tile mounts might be of help - I'm guessing here - call em and see. . . 
> .perhaps you can find other vermonters that have actually done it - but 
> proceed cautiously! I know that's why you went to the list. I hope 
> someone responds with some definitive experience here.  Let us know how 
> you end up approaching it!
> 
> Best,
> 
> Jeff Clearwater
> Village Power Design
> 
>>
>> Wrenches,
>>
>> We're bidding on a PV array on a steep slate roof (flush-mount). This a
>> first for us so any insights and pointers would be appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks in advance.
>> -Nik
>>
>>
>> -- 
>> Nicholas Ponzio
>> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
>> Vermont Solar Engineering
>> PO Box 697
>> Burlington, VT 05402
>> toll-free 800.286.1252
>> local     802.863.1202
>> fax       802.863.7908
>> www.vermontsolar.com
> 
> 

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