[RE-wrenches] Panel installation in snow country 0.02

[Dana Orzel]

Having installed at up to 13,200' elevation (60° rack mount) and in snow country for most of most of 37 years and dealing with installations by others that almost or completely come off the roof here is my 0.02:

Low angle roofs less than 35deg seem to take on most of the damage incidents. Avalanches are most prevalent at 32-35+deg. Avys tend not to slide at less than 32 deg.
Is the lower edge of the array shaded or partial shade on part of the array with the low angle winter sun? This allows for ice up on the bottom edge or on a section of the array.
Is there a drop zone for the snow? I use 5' min below the leading edge for a mountain install I would increase this to higher.
I know this sounds obvious - Is there a snow fence or obstruction (door shed roof) below the array?

I now install esp. on lower angle roofs a mid-third rail & use 50% more contact to the roof points (cheap array life insurance).
If using a micro inverter or optimizer - attach this to the panel so it flexes with the panel if necessary not the rail mount system. Watch out for bolts that stick up close to the back sheet.

Happy Hollar Daze all!
_________________________________________________________
Dana Orzel                GREAT SOLAR WORKS!
C - 208.721.7003      E - dana at solarwork.com<mailto:dana at solarwork.com>
W - www. greatsolarworks.com     www.solarwork.com<http://www.solarwork.com/>
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