Is your commercial roof ready for Solar PV?

A commercial roof is ready for Solar PV when the project team has confirmed that its condition, structure and proposed mounting details are suitable for the specific array. If the roof is likely to need major work during the array’s service life, compare doing that work first with the cost and disruption of removing and reinstating panels later.

Five questions to ask before getting quotes

1. How much service life is left in the roof? Share records of leaks, repairs, refurbishment and warranties. Ask what will still need access after the panels go on.
2. Who will check the structure? Ask a suitably qualified structural professional to assess the actual building and proposed system. Share drawings and records of alterations where available.
3. How will the array meet the roof? Agree who specifies mounting, how the proposal protects the roof covering and any warranties, and how rooflights, gutters and other features will remain accessible.
4. What does the building need to keep running? Share operating hours and electricity-use data with the PV designer. Ask who will review maintenance access and coordinate roof and electrical work.
5. Who signs off each part? Identify the roofing, structural and PV design leads, and agree who will check insurer, landlord, planning and grid requirements where relevant.

Which job should come first?

If a survey identifies early roof failure or planned roof replacement is already in your capital programme, compare doing the roof first with combining both scopes. If the roof is suitable and has useful service life, the next step may be to develop the array and mounting details together. Ask for the assumptions to be recorded so both teams price the same scope.

What to put in the brief

Start with the building address, any drawings, the roof type and age if known, changes to the building, existing rooftop equipment and available electricity-use data. Record gaps and assign responsibility for closing them before placing an order.

References. Industrial Roofing Services’ Solar PV roof readiness guide and HSE guidance on roof work.