Are you thinking about going solar but worried your building might be unable to support solar panels? No worries! We're here to help you navigate the rooftop solar journey and determine if your building is ready to bask in the sunshine. Here’s a short guide to determine if your rooftop is suitable for commercial solar panels.
Is Your Rooftop Large Enough?
First things first: before you start counting the number of solar panels you’ll need, does your roof have the space for solar panels? Think of it as checking if you have enough room for more furniture in your home; solar panels need space and plenty of it to fit. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a solar panel system for a commercial building generally needs about “100 square feet of roof space for every 1 kilowatt of solar panels.” On average, our team suggests we’ll need to use about 65% of the space on your roof. So, if you envision a solar panel installation to cover your power needs, ensure your roof isn’t already fully crowded with objects like HVAC units, skylights, or other obstructions.
Is Your Roof Structurally Sound?
Now, let’s talk stability. Your roof needs to be strong enough to support the additional weight of solar panels, mounting hardware, and the occasional pigeon. Though not as heavy as they seem, solar panels require a solid foundation and structural integrity. It will be helpful to gather records about the age of your roof (when it was last repaired or replaced, too!) and materials before speaking with a solar provider so that your roof can be assessed. Catalyst Power only uses ballast-mounted systems, so your rooftop is not penetrated.
Is Your Roof Facing the Right Way?
Solar panels are like sun-seekers—they love a good, south-facing exposure. Ideally, your roof should be flat or facing south to soak up maximum sunlight. If your roof isn’t quite south-facing, don’t panic! The placement of your solar panels can be adjusted to catch the best rays; simply ask your solar provider about options.
Will Shade Impact Your Solar Panels?
Yes, shading can negatively impact your solar energy system’s performance. A rooftop full of solar panels can still be shadowed by tall buildings, trees, or even your chimney. A quick shading analysis by a professional solar company can ensure your solar array catches enough sunlight to keep up with your energy production needs. You're good to go if your roof is consistently bathed in sunshine! “You can put solar panels in areas that have very partial shading, but it’s not the best use of money...if you think your roof is a candidate, contact your solar provider when in doubt, and they’ll tell you,” says Bill Kinneary, Catalyst Power’s Executive Vice President of Project Development.
Local Regulations and Permits: Are You Playing by the Rules?
Lastly, check if any local regulations or permits are required to install solar panels (Catalyst Power is happy to help!). According to NREL, there are some policy factors at play. “Policies impacting the use of distributed energy resources—including interconnection standards and net metering policies—vary by location…at the local level, zoning laws and permitting requirements may impact on-site solar development and should be taken into account during the building planning phases.”
Compliance with building codes and solar zoning laws ensures a smooth installation process and avoids surprises.
In Conclusion
So, can your building support solar panels? If your roof has the space, strength, orientation, and sunlight to spare, you’re well on your way to making the leap toward solar. And remember, every good solar installation starts with a solid roof assessment.
Not only is rooftop solar cost-effective (Catalyst Power can send you a monthly payment on your rooftop via a lease if you choose not to use this power yourself via our Connected Microgrid® solution), but the benefits are significant: you can reduce your (or your community’s) carbon footprint by supporting clean energy for a more sustainable future.
Ready to get started?
