Top Design Considerations for Solar PV Installations

AS THE WORLD is looking to become more environmentally friendly and reduce its carbon footprint and specifically a building’s operational carbon, Garland UK discusses the design considerations for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and how they can benefit businesses across the UK.

As electrical tariffs rise, the returns on a solar PV installation are now considerably quicker. For example, businesses will likely see themselves paying off the initial cost of a Garland UK solar PV installation around year five. Meaning over the 20-year life of the PV panel, it will pay for itself numerous times over.

Solar PV systems are becoming increasingly popular with businesses due to their low maintenance requirements and minimal running costs. They are often found on industrial estates or warehouses where space is limited but there is an abundance of roof space available.

Design Considerations

In the early concept stages, the project viability, carbon reduction and yield capabilities of the roof must be carefully assessed to ensure that the optimum carbon reductions and return on investment are achieved for your building.

Through detailed surveys and reports of your roofing assets, you can build a clear and definite picture for specification, to enable the most efficient design, performance and installation of your solar PV panel system.

Building Energy Usage

Understanding the building’s day-to-day operations will have a significant impact on the PV panel design, whether it is a school that is open 5 days a week or a factory that is open and running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Pitch and Orientation

Solarise, a recently launched solar photovoltaic (PV) panel system from Garland UK can be installed on a building of any orientation. However, a clear understanding of the roof pitch will ensure that the PV panel design is not affected by high shade areas, or alternatively if a wall-mounted system may be more suitable.

Roof Structure

The volume of PV panels required to meet your desired energy requirements can add a considerable amount of additional weight to the existing roof structure. An integral consideration in the early design stages is to assess the structural integrity of the roof.

Existing Plant & Access Points

The PV panel design can be affected by some of the existing features of a roof, including guard rails, plant equipment, lift shafts and vent pipes. In most instances, this is workable; however, re-housing particular plant and equipment features may be required.

Green Roofs

A perfect way to bring under-utilised roof spaces to life, green roof and PV panel installations are the ideal design consideration for an ultra-sustainable waterproofing solution, that has been carefully engineered to mitigate the building’s operational carbon footprint.

Planning Permission

Typically a Solarise system will not require planning permission. Your Technical Manager will always consult with your local authority planning office wherever necessary to ensure the installation is compliant and meets all levels of building and electrical regulations.

Yield Analysis

We always recommend conducting a detailed solar yield analysis on your roof, so you are provided with comprehensive data and insights to make the most informed decision on your roofing assets.

A detailed Solar Yield Analysis, will provide:

• • Performance simulation data
  • Annual kWh yield
  • Detailed financial analysis
  • Annual carbon emissions negated

It is essential to have a clear return on investment with solar installation, for example with Solarise, commercial businesses can typically see a return on their investment in as little as four years.

Speak to a local Garland UK Technical Manager about Solarise systems and arrange a free roof survey and Solar PV Yield Analysis here.

>> Read more about Garland UK in the news