[RE-wrenches] sealing a carport array

[Daniel Young]

Agreed with August. I have tried professional window teams using pro grade caulks and sealants. I’ve tried gaskets, I’ve tried the foam tape system Lumos suggests for their canopy system. Nothing has allowed a reliable and longer term seal. I moved to the same standard, 100% requiring a roof under the array as part of the canopy if water protection is desired.

For me canopies without dedicated roofing provide shade and limited snow protection. Protection from rain is limited to giving pedestrians several larger areas to hide under solar modules but water gets concentrated at the module gaps.

--

Danny Young
Engineering Team Lead
NABCEP PV Installation Professional #031508-90
Solar Energy Solutions
Lexington | Louisville | Bloomington | Cincinnati | Evansville | Indianapolis
513-448-5176 (mobile)
877-312-7456 (Main Office)
danny at sesre.com<mailto:danny at sesre.com>

From: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> On Behalf Of August Goers via RE-wrenches
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 1:17 PM
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Cc: August Goers <august at luminalt.com>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] sealing a carport array

Caution: This email originated from outside SES. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hi Kirk,

This probably isn't the answer you want, but we insist that a conventional roof is installed (could be metal, bitumen, etc) and then install the array on top if the client needs it to be watertight. It just seems like everything else such as rubber gaskets or tape will be temporary or problematic over time. Maybe others out there know of a good way to do it!

August
Luminalt




On Wed, Sep 13, 2023 at 10:08 AM Kirk Herander via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:
All,

Looking for recommendations to seal the gaps between modules in a carport array for weather-tightness. I've used the Sunmodo gaskets before, but curious about other reliable options. Thanks.
--
Kirk Herander / kirkh at vermont.solar<mailto:kirkh at vermont.solar>
Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC
Celebrating our 32st Anniversary 1991-2023!!
dba Vermont Solar Engineering
802.863.1202
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