Powering Your Business from the Rooftop Down!

Empty rooftop space is a great location to place solar panels and is often abundant in large commercial buildings and distribution centers. When evaluating for rooftop solar, it’s important to consider the age of the existing roof, geographical latitude, weather conditions, roof slope, and shading from adjacent buildings or vegetation.

For commercial solar PV systems, there are generally three types of roof mounting options and the solution is dependent on the type of roof. In all cases, considerations must be made for the roof’s age, structural integrity, access to equipment, and necessary setbacks for fire and life safety requirements.  

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ROOF MOUNT OPTION 1

Ballasted Roof Mount:

Ballasted roof-mount systems are an efficient and non-invasive solution for commercial solar installations on flat or low-slope roofs. These systems are designed without mechanical attachments or roof penetrations for mounting solar modules, relying instead on weighted concrete blocks to secure the racking system and protect against wind uplift. This approach preserves the integrity of the roof structure, minimizes installation time, and reduces the need for extensive roof preparation.

With a variety of design configurations available, ballasted systems can be customized to maximize energy production while accommodating specific roof conditions and load requirements. Their modular design allows for optimal placement and flexibility, ensuring efficient use of roof space. The lack of moving parts and penetrations also contributes to reduced maintenance needs and long-term reliability, making ballasted systems a cost-effective and practical choice for commercial solar projects aiming for sustainability without compromising roof performance..

ROOF MOUNT OPTION 2

Standing Seam Roof Mount:

Standing seam roof-mount systems offer a lightweight, non-penetrating solution for commercial solar installations on standing seam metal roofs. These systems utilize a specialized racking design that clamps directly onto the roof seams, eliminating the need for roof penetrations and preserving the roof’s structural integrity. This approach streamlines installation and minimizes potential points of water intrusion, making it an ideal choice for long-term durability and performance.

Panels can be mounted flush with the roof’s slope for a low-profile, streamlined appearance or positioned at a higher pitch to enhance energy production. While increasing the pitch may boost output, it can also add to system costs and requires careful row spacing to optimize performance. The adaptability and efficiency of standing seam systems make them a dependable and cost-effective option for commercial solar projects, delivering clean energy without compromising the roof’s functionality or lifespan.

ROOF MOUNT OPTION 3

Shingle Style Roof Mount:

Shingle roof-mount systems are a dependable and secure solution for commercial solar installations on pitched roofs with shingle-style coverings. These systems use special flashing attachments to mechanically secure the solar array to the roof structure beneath the shingles, ensuring a watertight seal and preserving the roof’s integrity. This method provides long-term durability while accommodating the specific needs of shingle roof installations.

Solar modules are typically mounted flush with the slope of the roof, maintaining a low-profile appearance and maximizing energy production in alignment with the roof’s angle. This straightforward and efficient design makes shingle roof-mount systems a practical choice for commercial projects on pitched roofs, offering reliable performance, structural security, and seamless integration with existing roofing materials.