Common Mistakes That Happen While Installing A Ballast Type Rooftop System
Installing a ballast based rooftop system looks easy but needs a thorough understanding of the technical aspects such as stability, orientation and load bearing capacity of the structures while installing.
While solar rooftop installations have been growing at a rapid pace in the country (at a compounded annual growth rate of 90 per cent), it is important to be aware of the best practices to be followed when installing a rooftop ballast based solar system, to avoid any major accident, especially during a thunderstorm.
Most common mistakes by developers or customers while installing are –
1. Ballast load not placed as per the design - The age and height of a building will reveal the load bearing capacity of the ballast to be placed on the structures. When the design of the structure is not considered while placing ballast load, it will lead to roof damage or easy elevation of the panels by wind.
● Improper load placement of ballast on the structures creates tilting and instability of the structures
● Uneven distribution of load per square feet area of roof can cause the roof to collapse.
2. Design changes not considered during installation - Initial design of the structure is one of the most critical part of a project. Project designers try to create designs that increase energy output and keep lower project costs, however, when the initial design is not considered, it leads to the following-
● Misalignment of the structures with respect to direction leading to reduction in power generation
● Improper placement of the structure in terms of degree and tilt angle which again leads to low power generation.
3. Understanding the wind dynamics - Mostly developers oversee the wind factor while installing a ballast type structure. Based on the location and the geometry of the building, the height and total exposure of the system, wind factor should be considered. Both sustainable wind speed and high wind speed should be evaluated while installation. Flaws can lead to:
● Instability of the installed structure, leading to lower power generation
● Breakage of structure or PV modules during high wind
● Can lead to improper ballast and structure ratio, which impacts the stability of the system and can get elevated during thunderstorms.
4. Proper wire management - Most of the time for quick project completion, developers tend to leave behind wires without any proper routing. This often leads to:
● Cables getting pinched between mounting structures and the panels, getting exposed to the metal edges
● Cables get short circuit when comes in contact with water
● Power loss due to loose connections or faulty wiring.
5. Roof’s drainage system not in place- Sloped areas around the walls helps withstand water to drain during rainy season. Most of the time the installers do not consider these changes which causes drainage issues on the roof and eventually leads to:
● Higher risk of corrosion of the structure
● Increases the risk of leakages on the roof
● Small plants and moss start growing that affects power generation
● Roofing materials if applied deteriorates much faster.
Once the solar structure has been installed, it becomes difficult to repair a roof with drainage issues. Hence, it is best to address and tackle these issues prior to the installation.
6. Not having a maintenance plan- For optimal usage and output, basic maintenance and inspection is essential. Installers should also make sure that rooftops remain in good condition. The panels should not be covered in dust or sitting in a pool of stagnant water. Also, they must ensure all penetrations made when mounting racks and panels are properly sealed. Therefore, for a proper return on investment and to avoid such small issues leading into complex ones, regular maintenance of solar rooftop structures and the solar panel is mandatory.
To ensure successful installation of a ballast type rooftop system, it is recommended that installers, developers and customers should discuss rooftop conditions including design and roof drains. Before installing, developers must have a strong familiarity with wire management plans, and also provide roof replacement and repairs, and follow up maintenance services. With greater integration of clean energy in our lives, there is an increased need to use the right techniques to draw optimal output out of these highly efficient solar systems.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house. Unless otherwise noted, the author is writing in his/her personal capacity. They are not intended and should not be thought to represent official ideas, attitudes, or policies of any agency or institution.
