Supporting the planet and your roof when installing solar

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about the process of installing a PV system on a Johns Manville roof without risking your coverage. 

As increases in energy costs and the inability of traditional power generation to keep up with the dramatic increase in demand from data storage and AI become more prevalent, many people are looking for sustainable energy options. One of the most popular solutions is installing photovoltaic (PV), or solar systems. These systems convert light produced by the sun into electricity that offsets energy costs for the building.  

While these systems have a variety of benefits, they can also pose challenges with both securement and waterproofing during installation and beyond for some roof systems. That’s why the experts at Johns Manville carry the ENRGY® Anchor! According to Johns Manville, “[The anchor] is a lightweight, roof-top integrated, photovoltaic (PV)-mounting solution consisting of a Galvalume®-coated steel plate welded to a stainless steel stud, with a JM membrane flashing target.” 

Additionally, Johns Manville has a six-step process for installing PV on their Peak Advantage® guaranteed roofing systems that ensures the roof performs at the highest standard. Here’s a closer look: 

1 – Filling out the PV overburden form 

The first step to installing solar on a Johns Manville Guaranteed Roof System is to fill out an Overburden Waiver form. Along with filling out and signing the form, submittal of the racking system plan must include a detailed roof plan indicating the work to be done along with installation and data sheets for the products to be installed. 

This allows the Johns Manville team to ensure the existing roof system is compatible with the proposed PV system. This form can be filled out by the building owner, the PV company representative or a Johns Manville Peak Advantage® contractor. 

2 – Reviewing documentation and paperwork 

Once the form is filled out and submitted to Owner Services, a technical team will review to ensure that the proposed work will be compatible with the existing guaranteed roof system. This usually takes two to three business days.  

3 – PV invoice sent 

After review is complete, a Guarantee PV Addition and Inspection Fee invoice is sent to the end user. This fee is a minimum of $1,000 for up to 50,000 square feet of PV system footprint. For footprints over 50,000 square feet, the fee is $.02 per square foot of PV system. The Guarantee PV Addition and Inspection Fee covers the processing and review costs along with the future installation inspection.  

4 – Status on installation is sent 

After paying the invoice and installing the entire PV system, Johns Manville will need to be contacted again. They will then work with the end user to schedule an inspection with a Johns Manville field technician within two weeks of being notified that the project was completed. 

5 – A rep from Johns Manville inspects the roof 

When that field technician gets on the roof, they will conduct an inspection review the penetrations and anchors for watertightness and to make sure that the rooftop traffic and activities from the installation have not caused any damage to the roofing system. Their findings will help them guide their customers to repairs that can help the system perform optimally. 

6 – Notice is sent to owner 

In the following week after the inspection, the owner will be notified about the result of the inspection. If no remediation is required, they can expect a letter with the notice confirming that the PV installation is accepted. If remediation is required, they will receive an email along with a copy of the inspection report itemizing the necessary repairs that need to be completed. 

You can learn more about installing a PV system on a Johns Manville roof system online! You can also get in contact with a Johns Manville representative if you have more questions, at owner.services@jm.com or 800-922-5922.