Discussion of Strategies for Mounting Photovoltaic Arrays on Rooftops

Secondary Author(s)

Dunlop, James

Report Number

FSEC-PF-419-98

URL

http://publications.energyresearch.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FSEC-PF-419-98.pdf

Keywords

Buildings; Photovoltaics; PV Arrays; Roofs, Photovoltaic arrays; Rooftop installation; PV system costs; Mounting strategies; Building-integrated PV; Building-attached PV; System performance; PV installation labor

Abstract

The mechanical attachment of photovoltaic (PV) arrays to rooftops presents a number of unique and challenging issues for system designers and installers. With a resurgence of roof mounted PV installations due to increasing duel costs and decreasing PV system prices, the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) has accelerated its investigations of array mounting strategies, with the objectives of identifying key performance and cost parameters from a systems engineering perspective. Two principal classifications can be defined for rooftop PV array mounting systems: building-integrated (BIPV) and building-attached (BAPV) or standoff designs. The various attachment methods within these categories each have pros and cons that affect the labor and cost associated with the install and the system performance. An overview and assessment of some existing rooftop PV array attachment methods or mounting approaches, and their advantages and disadvantages with respect to key design criteria are presented to assist designers and installers in the selection of the appropriate method for a given project.

Date Published

4-21-1998

Identifiers

730

Notes

Proceedings of the Solar Forum 2001, Solar Energy: The Power to Choose, April 21-26, 2001, Washington DC

Copyright 2001 by ASME

Subjects

Photovoltaic power systems; Solar energy; Building fittings; Cost effectiveness; Systems engineering; Photovoltaic power systems

Local Subjects

Photovoltaics; PV Arrays; Buildings - Roofs

Type

Text; Document

Collection

FSEC Energy Research Center® Collection

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Rights Statement

In Copyright