[RE-wrenches] Maxing out the roof

[Max Balchowsky]

Our policy on filling a roof with solar is dictated by the local fire marshall. More and more they are gravitating toward the state standard (california) which is 3' from the ridge and sides and 1 1/2 ft each side of the valleys. we've had some exceptions but more and more we are finding them sticking to the state standard.....

Max Balchowsky 
SEE Systems




________________________________
From: Tump <tump at hughes.net>
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 3, 2009 4:28:08 AM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Maxing out the roof


How about using modules w/ a higher power density? I always try to keep modules from the edge, but .....
-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Truitt
Sent: Monday, February 02, 2009 1:04 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Maxing out the roof


Greetings!  First off, thanks to Allan, Brian and Peter for your input on the external disconnect signage - I won!  We're having a UV rated plastic sign made right now.


I'm interested in hearing what company's policies are regarding filling a roof with solar.  I have always advocated for a 2-3' perimeter around the array to a) facilitate ease of installation, b) prevent excessive wind loading at the roof edge, c) allow access for firefighters and d) I personally think it looks better.  However, I've been getting a little pressure from the higher-ups to let the designers place modules right up to the edge of the roof to increase system size.  Their responses to my arguments are a) take all the necessary precautions to keep the installers safe while installing at the roof edge, b) install more attachments near the roof edge to strengthen the rack structure, c) there is no requirement in our area for firefighter access and there will always be access on the north-facing roof anyway and d) a roof full of PV looks like a pile of money.


What is your policy on array size and why?



Andrew Truitt
Standard Solar



-- 
"Don't get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! It's just that I prefer fusion to fission. And it just so happens that there's an enormous fusion reactor safely banked a few million miles from us. It delivers more than we could ever use in just about 8 minutes. And it's wireless!"

~William McDonough
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20090203/53ad2b5d/attachment-0003.html>