5.5 Material Combustibility—Where applicable by local
jurisdiction fire code, materials used for the array mounting
structure to the roof shall be made of non-combustible material
per the requirements set forth in Test Method E136. If not
specified, the fire resistance of materials used in the array
mounting structure shall be reviewed by the LDP.
6. Structural Requirements
6.1 Design Considerations for the Installation of Photovol-
taic Modules onto Array Mounting Structure:
6.1.1 Manufacturers of array mounting structures shall pro-
vide a pre-engineered, pre-tested system. The structure design,
sizing method, and attachment method shall be reviewed by an
LDP or a representative section be tested for wind load
resistance.
NOTE 1—The mounting and fastening method shall comply with the
array mounting structure manufacturer’s recommendations subject to
engineering requirements. If slots or multiple mounting holes are provided
on either the array mounting structure or the connections, the worst-case
mounting positions shall be selected for testing purposes in order to
subject the array mounting structure to the maximum stresses.
6.1.2 Design Load Requirements—The module, the array
mounting structure, and the interface between the module and
array mounting structure shall be able to withstand regional
design loads as defined in applicable code or calculated
according to ASCE 7 (whichever is more stringent), including
a minimum safety factor, such as from the Aluminum Asso-
ciation design manual for Aluminum or AISC steel construc-
tion manual for steel.
6.1.3 The structural load of the attachment system shall not
be less than the design load requirements set forth in 6.1.2. The
structural load bearing capacity of the attachment system of the
module to the array mounting structure shall be specified by the
mounting structure manufacturer and be consistent with the
module manufacturer’s requirements.
6.2 Design Considerations for the Installation of Array
Mounting Structure onto Roof Structure—The interface be-
tween the mounting array and the roof shall meet the same
structural requirements as specified in 6.1. The roof structure
shall be evaluated by an LDP to ensure that the roof structural
members are sufficient for added load of PV modules and
mounting structures and the intended mounting does not create
unacceptable point loads either due to snow, wind or seismic,
or similar live loading.
6.3 Anchoring for Regional Load Requirements—All fas-
tening shall be into structural members of the roof. The
manufacturer of the array mounting structure shall report
representative fastener installations pullout values into Hem-
Fir (G = 0.43) wood per the National Design Specification for
Wood Construction (NDS). Fasteners not covered by the NDS
shall be tested per the requirements of Test Methods D1761
and the pullout values reported. For a given location, the uplift
or down load force may vary based on local wind, snow, and
seismic requirements, but the overall array mounting structure
shall be designed to resist a minimum of 30 psf (146 kg/m
2
)
uplift.
6.3.1 For existing roofs, the installer shall inspect the roof
structure for suitability of attachment; the photovoltaic system
shall not be installed into damaged (soft spots, droops, unusual
discoloration) structural material, such as decking material,
rafters, or roof support, unless approved by the LDP.
6.4 Special Damage Considerations—Before installation,
consider the effects of extreme weather (hail, hurricanes, heavy
snow), natural hazards (fire), and other potentially hazardous
objects (rocks, golf balls, insects, birds, chimney ash, sand,
dust) on the performance of the array mounting structure.
7. Integration with Existing Roof Systems
7.1 Flashing Roof Penetrations—Penetrations into the roof
shall be flashed in a manner that prevents moisture from
entering the roof system. Materials used to flash the fasteners
and mounting device to the roof shall be sufficiently durable
and compatible with existing roof to maintain performance
through the design life of the installation.
7.1.1 The integration of the mounting system shall be
compatible and aligned with the water shedding principles of
the roof system with proper flashing and sealing. Appropriate
design, materials, installation, and maintenance are essential to
the durability of the roof integration.
7.1.2 For shingled roof systems, the mounting feet shall be
integrated under the shingles in correct shingle fashion. See
Fig. 1 for an example using asphalt shingles. If shingles were
removed to attach the flashing, the shingles shall be reattached
after the installation of the flashing components. New shingles
shall be applied if the prior shingles are damaged.
7.1.3 For roof systems other than asphalt shingles, such as
tile, slate, wood, synthetic or standing seam metal roof
systems, follow the recommendations of the LDP.
7.2 Drainage Around and Under the Array—The photovol-
taic array shall be designed and installed in such a manner to
minimize the accumulation of debris or other material that can
result in blockage either under or around the array, causing
potential damming, ice buildup, or fire hazard around the
frame. Additionally, the array shall have sufficient access to
allow for removal of any debris that may accumulate during the
life of the system. A minimum stand-off height may be
specified by the module manufacturer to maintain their de-
signed operating temperatures.
7.3 Servicing of the Roof and Array—The designer shall
allow means to test modules to ensure proper grounding,
service, and repair per IFC or NFPA 1. Means shall be provided
to allow for servicing of the roof and to access interior regions
of the array.
8. Hazards
8.1 Fall Protection of Installers During Installation—Refer
to applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) regulations for personal protective equipment (PPE)
requirements appropriate for roof slope and height. Avoid
installing in inclement weather, such as wet, windy, or icy
conditions.
8.2 Electrical Exposure—Photovoltaic modules produce
electricity with sunlight exposure and proper care needs to be
taken with handling and wiring. Individual modules and
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