Rooftop solar arrays need robust planning

  • Published
  • By Susan Lawson
  • AFCEC Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  When people think of rooftop solar arrays, they tend to focus on the potential energy savings without considering potential roof damage and safety concerns.

This is the concern of Clayton Deel, roofing engineer subject matter expert at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. He has developed a list of guidelines and considerations for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of solar photovoltaic, or PV, systems on rooftops.

"Mr. Deel's proposed guidance will give direction to the installations from a roof installation, maintenance and electrical safety perspective," said Clifford Fetter chief of the AFCEC Engineer Division. "An improperly installed rooftop PV array started a fire and this new technical criteria will help prevent that from occurring in the future."

Because of the potential for fire, thin film PV panels are prohibited by Unified Facilities Criteria 3-110-03, Fetter said. Properly installed PV systems should incorporate all applicable design criteria, standards and other available guidance.  In addition, various design factors should be considered such as economic and site evaluation; architectural compatibility; structural adequacy; firefighter and maintenance worker access; worker safety; and electrical.

There are three basic types of rooftop solar PV systems:  shade structure, roof mounted and building integrated. Installing and operating these systems on Air Force-owned facilities requires careful consideration and coordination throughout the design, installation, and operation and maintenance phases.  Implementing this guidance should reduce overall life cycle costs and increase safety, Deel said.

"I want to make sure those involved are aware of the possible impact to the roof's service life as well as potential safety concerns to facility maintenance personnel working near solar panels," Deel said.

For more information on solar PV system guidance, contact the AFCEC reach back center at afcec.rbc@us.af.mil or 850-283-6995.