As solar photovoltaic (PV) panels become more popular in both domestic and commercial projects, we are ramping up our training programme to help roofing installers learn how to add PV to their offering.
The UK’s target to hit Net Zero carbon is 2050, with 70% reductions of carbon emissions targeted for 2035. So if you are considering solar PV for your project and your roofing contractor has not installed solar before, why not take advantage of our support?
Why roofers should learn how to install solar PV
There are a number of reasons why roofers should want to learn how to install solar PV. Not only is it more in demand, but roofers are the best equipped to become solar PV installers.
Solar PV is becoming a requirement. Housing developments have required solar for some time, and recently the Energy Secretary confirmed that solar would be included as part of the Future Homes Standard to be published this autumn.
Solar PV is becoming more appealing. The market for solar PV is growing year on year with increased demand for electricity. It also reflects improvements in the performance and affordability of battery storage systems, which enable users to retain energy to use at other times.
Roofing contractors are the ideal installers of solar PV. Unlike other trades, roofers already have the competence, experience and expertise in working at height. Therefore, if only for safety reasons, anything installed on a roof should really be part of a roofer’s domain wherever possible. Solar PV should be part of your battery of skills.
As the market grows, AccuRoof and SIG Roofing have been continuing to invest in solar to help the sector add PV to their offer. As part of this work we offer training courses across the country to support our customers to add solar PV to their skillset.
Ballasted flat roof solar PV
Solar PV can be installed on many pitched and flat roofs, but flat roofs are an ideal underutilized space to consider.
For flat roof systems the two basic types of solar PV systems are ballasted and penetrative. Where appropriate, ballasted systems have the advantage of not interfering with the waterproofing and can spread the loads more evenly across a roof. Penetrative systems (where the feet of the frame are fixed through into the roof structure and welded to the waterproofing) are more complex to install and need tighter tolerances. If you want to see a wider range of options, we outlined the main types of roof solar PV systems in this article.
A popular ballasted solar PV system
One of our most popular ballasted systems is made by Van der Valk and is a wholly metal frame system. SIG Roofing can also warranty the frame within their OneWarranty offer, which is popular with domestic customers.
Adam French, SIG Roofing’s Solar Training and Technical Support Specialist explains why:
“This system gets the most interaction from the roofers we train because whilst it looks baffling when laid out on the floor, they are then amazed at the speed of the installation. We can put those weirdly shaped metal objects together in as little as three minutes per panel. Once you understand the principles, installers are surprised at the ease with which it can be installed.”
Elements of the installation process for ballasted solar PV:
Elements laid out before assembly:
1. The fully aluminium mounting rail and brackets are assembled. Rubber feet sit on the roof finish and the frames are bolted together on the roof at a distance 10mm wider than the panels to be installed.
2. Wind deflectors to reduce wind uplift are applied to the rails.
3. The ballast is applied to a rail system (this is the most common method, although there are alternatives).
4. The solar panels are installed on top of the rails and cabling is connected to each panel. This cabling is then connected to the inverter by a suitably qualified electrician.
Watch an animation of the process:
Design support for ballasted flat roof solar PV
SIG Roofing’s solar team can provide design support, but the manufacturer also has their own design software which enables the installer to confirm the ballast requirements. Inputting the roof height and location produces height above sea level, average wind load in that region and snow loads. Then adding project specific information such as building height, parapet heights and adjacent building information and the software will calculate the ballast requirements for you.
Our solar PV offer
SIG Roofing provides introductory training to solar PV types and is rolling out more detailed system specific training. We can also provide site surveys and advice and design support for the more complex projects.
With solar rigs in 22 locations nationwide, demonstrating in-roof, on-roof pitched and flat roof systems, roofers can get hands on experience of solar PV systems before they commit to purchase. Get in touch with us for more information or check out our free introductory training sessions programme here.
