How do we install photovoltaic brackets on different types of roofs?
Photovoltaic brackets are specially designed supports for placing, installing, and fixing solar panels in solar power generation systems. Common materials include aluminum, carbon steel, and stainless steel. However, different types of roofs require appropriate installation methods. Let's take a look.
Concrete Roofs
There are two methods for creating the foundation:
1.On-site casting of cement foundation:The advantage of this method is that it integrates with the roof, making it sturdy and durable, while using a small amount of cement. The disadvantage is that rebar needs to be pre-built into the roof of the building, or expansion screws are used to connect the concrete foundation with the roof. This often damages the waterproof layer of the roof, which can lead to leaks over time.
2.Cement foundation ballast blocks:This method requires precise calculations of the average annual wind speed and seasonal wind directions at the project site. The positive and negative wind pressures are calculated, and then the weight of the concrete foundation is determined based on the wind pressure. Pre-treated cement blocks of uniform size are transported to the site for installation.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are typically used in light steel buildings, such as standardized factories and warehouses. Light steel buildings often use lightweight colored steel tiles, which allow for large spans, making them suitable for large-scale solar panel installations. Metal roofs consist of thin metal sheets wrapped around foam panels, which means conventional methods cannot be used to fix the solar panel brackets. Special clamps must be used, which do not damage the original structure or cause leaks or structural damage.
From a load-bearing perspective, installing at the optimal angle inevitably requires more brackets, which increases the roof's weight. From a safety perspective, the modules cannot be installed parallel to the roof at the optimal tilt angle, and when wind blows over the roof, additional wind pressure is created, posing a potential safety risk. Therefore, the modules can only be installed flat on metal roofs. The number of modules installed is only related to roof area and load-bearing capacity, without optimization.
Tiled Roofs
This refers to sloped roofs, with tiles covering concrete underneath. Installation typically involves lifting the tiles, placing expansion screws in the concrete, installing curved hook connectors, and then placing the tiles back in position. The key is to control the position of the expansion screws, keeping them away from the lower edge of the tiles. For aesthetic purposes, a groove may need to be cut along the lower edge of the tiles. Special attention must be paid to the thickness of the concrete to avoid damaging the roof's waterproof structure.