OWTFA Position Statement - Solar Panel Installation on Existing Roofs
Recently the Ontario Power Authority introduced a Feed-in Tariff solar energy program for small to medium producers. With the return-on-investment looking very attractive for anyone with an existing south-facing roof, this has led to an explosion of interest in retrofitting these panels on existing roofs.
Whereas an existing roof structure may accommodate an increase in associated loading due to a proposed solar panel installation, there are many other factors which must be considered. These include potential non-uniform loading from proprietary solar panel connection systems, panel orientation that may increase both wind and snow drift loads, not to mention ongoing updates to the building code.
Due to the numerous factors that need to be considered that affect the overall structure (beyond the original basic roof truss design);
it is the position of the OWTFA that a qualified consulting engineer be engaged in all retrofit projects to determine any and all site specific factors.
As part of a complete engineer review, it is the recommendation of the OWTFA that these factors also be carefully reviewed and considered:
1. Condition and suitability of an existing structure to accommodate the proposed retrofit.
In agricultural or other buildings with adverse atmospheric conditions, a thorough audit
of potential deterioration over time.
2. Potential changes to the surrounding landscape that may impact the original
design assumptions and load reduction factors.
3. Suitability of the proposed solar panel connection system to carry the required loading.
4. Changes to the building code from the time that the original structure was designed & erected;
For further information and clarification we suggest that you contact a local truss fabricator, consulting engineer or the OWTFA.
Truss Customers
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