Solar Array Design Roof Layout

Whether it s a new roof with solar arrays or will have solar arrays installed in the near future or it s an existing roof that will receive solar there are many important considerations for roof system design and panel layout.

Solar array design roof layout.

Mix modules in portrait and landscape orientation within a single array. Click the array icon and hover over the number of modules columns and rows for your array. Modify design based on module specific roof zone engineering data. Solar arrays have a useful economic life of up to 25 years.

Design and installation challenges of flat roof solar panels encompass the constraints and considerations around valleys and ridges for drainage. Click the array icon again to add more arrays to your design. Solar design starts in pvsketch the easiest way to design solar. Built for solar sales professionals and system designers who want to work together on a single versatile platform that combines efficiency and accuracy.

Click the selection to create the array. Measure r run the distance from ridge of roof to eave. Design your array after entering site information click next or go to the design tab which will bring up the array editor. All pvsketch designs can export to pvcad for project engineering and permit plan sets.

Setting rack heights with enough clearance to service the roof membrane especially at drains and penetrations is also important. Once you provide us with your address and electricity usage average kwh per month we utilize satellite imagery to design solar panels on your roof or property and provide an analysis of how much of your electric bill you could offset. Fine tune layout by sliding rows of modules and rotating array. Next measure l length of roof.

Generally solar panel layouts require a clear pathway around roof edges hatches skylights service penetrations between rows of panels and along both centerline axes of the roof areas. Identify rafter and roof attachment locations. Planning a solar array beginner s guide. To be worth it consider the positioning and construction of various structures existing on your roof before the design and installation process begins.

To find number of rows divide r by 5 5 then round to the lower whole number. It is a geographical information system gis with an easy to use interface that provides end users with specific information and capabilities relevant to siting large solar energy projects. Incorporate multiple arrays within a single project report. Maybe you ve considered solar energy even if only for a brief moment only to dismiss it as too complicated and too expensive or maybe you re seriously considering a project but don t know where to start.

For commercial rooftop solar it is often cost prohibitive to remove the solar arrays install a new roof and reinstall the solar arrays. To find number on panels per row divide l by 3 25 and round to the lower whole number. Here are two examples.