A Solar photovoltaic system on a residential application requires careful thought, and flawless execution. Solar panels
installed on a existing roof is the most common way for homeowners to get the benefits of solar power to reduce or eliminate
their electric costs. Installing solar panels over an existing concrete roof tiles is typically done by carefully removing several
roof tiles, strategically bolting down stand-offs in measured locations, then replacing the removed tile with an aluminum weather resistant
"Tile Replacement Mount", and finally achoring down the solar array rails that support the solar
panels. Clamps are then used to hold down the solar panels onto the rails. This method provides a secure, long-term solution in the installation
of a solar pv system. Alternate methods, include using a "Quick Hook" or "J-Hook" to support the solar racking or using a "tile-trac" solution, that
allows the re-use of the existing tile to avoid changing the look of the roof.
Installing a solar system over an existing comp shingle roof is usually accomplished by using an aluminum "Classic Composition Mount Flashing"
designed to fit within the standard shingle courses. An alternate method is to use solid aluminim posts, usually about 4 inches tall, that support
the rails.
Clay tiles are a bit more challenging, as clay tiles break easily when walked on. Clay tiles can be removed from the entire area where the solar
array will be installed and replaced with a high quality composition shingle roof. The solar array is then installed using conventional
methods, and the clay tiles are then "pictured framed" around the finished solar array to complete a seamless installed solar system.
Extreme care should be taken when installing a solar photovoltaic system on a residential application to ensure the installation will be leak-free
and maintenence free for the lifespan of the roof. Every roof penetration that we install is flashed and counter flashed, and sometimes even triple flashed, depending on the mounting type. This is one of reasons, we have never had one of roof penetrations leak. Finally, our solar systems are structurally over-engineered, exceeding code requirements.
