Do Solar Panels make a Heated Roof Unheated?
Do Solar Panels make a Heated Roof Unheated?
(OP)
Curious how you guys have been handling this. I am running into situations where I am being asked to review existing buildings for an additional dead load from solar panels attached to the standing seam roof by S-5 clips and a rail system. In some cases the building was considered heated for the original design. When solar panels are installed and they cover a significant amount of the roof I have been considering the roof to be unheated since the panels are usually off the roof by 6" or more. On the other hand I have been told that photovoltaic panels generate heat when in operation. Is it too conservative to consider the roof unheated? Is there any standard which addresses this condition?
Thanks
Thanks






RE: Do Solar Panels make a Heated Roof Unheated?
RE: Do Solar Panels make a Heated Roof Unheated?
RE: Do Solar Panels make a Heated Roof Unheated?
Look at ASCE 7-05 Table 7-3 (p.93) for an explanation of the Ct factor.
RE: Do Solar Panels make a Heated Roof Unheated?
RE: Do Solar Panels make a Heated Roof Unheated?
I am no expert on solar panels so take this with a grain of salt but I have been told that they can operate with quite a bit of snow on them. However, their efficiency is greatly reduced. This probably varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and between models.
RE: Do Solar Panels make a Heated Roof Unheated?
Just a thought.