Using Solar Panels on Agricultural Metal Roofing

By S-5!  

Should you attach solar panels to an agricultural metal roof? The experts at S-5!® think so.  

Have you ever wondered if it was possible or sensible to use solar on an ag-panel metal roof? When a customer asked the experts at S-5!, a leading authority on metal roof attachment solutions, they provided a detailed explanation on why using solar panels on agricultural metal roofing makes sense, and they provided a break down on their  SolarFoot™ product.  

Agricultural metal roof profiles account for a significant number of roofs in the United States. Mounting solar to metal roofing makes good financial sense in most cases because it is the only roof type with a service life that exceeds the service life of a solar PV system. It is also the most sustainable roof type and is conducive to lower solar installation costs. Most alternative roof types will expire long before the life of the PV system, leading to costly disassembly of the PV array, re-roofing and re-assembly. Having said all that, the remaining service life of the roof should always be considered, metal or otherwise. Mounting solar to any roof that has a remaining service life less than the life of the solar system could be an economic mistake. When mounting solar to agricultural profiles, it may be necessary to attach to the structure underneath. That is where the SolarFoot™ comes in. 

What is SolarFoot™? 

The SolarFoot is a simple, cost-effective pedestal for use on exposed-fastened metal roof profiles together with any rail-mounted system. It provides an ideal, weatherproof mounting base with the strength, testing, quality and time-proven integrity you expect from S-5! 

What makes it a sustainable building product? 

The SolarFoot attaches a renewable energy source (solar PV) to the roof and is manufactured from highly recyclable material using energy-efficient processes, resulting in a demonstrably smaller carbon footprint. It is highly corrosion resistant and utilizes materials that last the life of the roof. 

How it works 

The unique design is compatible with all rail producers L-Foot components. The SolarFoot assembly ensures a durable weathertight solution for the life of the roof. Special factory applied butyl co-polymeric sealant contained in a reservoir provides a static water-tested seal concealed from the sun’s UV rays. The butyl seal is an integral part of what we call the “triple seal” of the SolarFoot. Stainless integrated stud and hex flange lock-nut secure the L-Foot into position. A low center of gravity reduces the moment arm often associated with L-Foot attachments. Direct attachment of the SolarFoot to the structural member or deck provides unparalleled holding strength. 

How to install 

The SolarFoot should be placed in the flat of the panel, between the ribs. It is designed to straddle striations or minor stiffening ribs when necessary. The SolarFoot must be mounted directly over and into the supporting structure of the roof, i.e. wood decking, wood or steel purlins-- NEVER into the metal roofing material alone. 

To install SolarFoot 

1. Determine the location of the supporting structure of the roof (roof attachment screw lines make this obvious). Wipe away excess oil and debris from the desired mounting location.  
2. Peel the release paper from the base, align and apply to the roof surface so that fasteners will engage the structure below.  
3. Install screws through the pre-punched holes in the SolarFoot into the structure below.  
4. Install the L-Foot over the stainless stud and secure in place with the provided M8-1.25 stainless hex flange nut tightened to 160-inch pounds (13 ft lbs). 

What are its components/materials/sizes/colors/options 

Manufactured from certified raw material, SolarFoot features all aluminium and stainless components with four points of attachment and a factory-applied 60-year isobutylene/ isoprene crosslink polymer sealant for reliable weathertightness. An integrated M8-1.25x17mm stud receives the L-Foot and M8-1.25 stainless steel hex flange nut is included. Prescribed SolarFoot fasteners are not included but offered separately in accordance with the structure type (wood or steel). 

Original article source: S-5!