[RE-wrenches] White Paper on on the affects of a "snow, melt, refreeze process" (no pun intended)

[R Ray Walters]

I'd say that at this point, with all the old solar systems, flat roofs, and snow we get in New Mexico and Colorado, that if it hasn't been a problem, it won't be a problem.
It definitely is not going to lift the panels; worst case is that it could build up and get past flashings, which is a problem on flat roofs whether they have solar or not.
I've seen this most with roofs with parapets: the snow in the shade of the parapets builds up and gets higher than the corner flashings, starting a leak.
Obviously solar won't be installed in these shaded areas, so I think its fair to say the solar is not going to make anything worse, and it might actually help a little.

R. Walters
ray at solarray.com
Solar Engineer




On Aug 5, 2010, at 1:47 PM, Lee Bristol wrote:

> Wrenches,
> 
> Has anybody come across an analysis of the potential damage to a flat
> roof from snow on solar modules melting to form an ice layer on the
> roof and then forming subsequent layers as more snow melts or slides
> down the modules?  If the sheet gets thick enough then the next bit of
> water could form ice layer under edge of panel and lift it up.  Seems
> very unlikely to me but the prospect has questions....and prospect
> questions must be answered.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Lee
> 
> -- 
> Lee Bristol
> NABCEP Certified Solar Designer/Installer
> 
> Chief Technology Officer
> Standard Solar, Inc.
> 1355 Piccard Drive
> Rockville, MD 20850
> (301) 944-5105
> (240) 479-1510 (c)
> www.standardsolar.com
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