Photovoltaics integrated into the roof

A photovoltaic roof is a roof that is also an energy surface. The roof covering, the photovoltaic layer, drainage and maintenance access all have to be planned together, because a roof that generates energy is maintained and inspected differently from a roof that only closes the building.

Roof photovoltaic inquiries should describe the roof plan, the roof orientation and shading, and the maintenance access you expect. Those points belong in the first inquiry, since they affect both the roof system and the photovoltaic system that shares it.

Roofs: closing the building from above

The roof is the largest single surface of most industrial buildings, and it is also the surface most exposed to weather. A metal roofing system is planned as part of the envelope, together with drainage, roof penetrations and the way the roof meets the wall at the eaves.

Roof inquiries should describe the roof plan, the drainage direction, and every penetration or roof-mounted item separately. If the roof will also carry a photovoltaic array, say so at the start, because a roof that carries solar equipment is planned differently from a roof that only has to close the building.