{"id":3614,"date":"2014-05-02T18:55:53","date_gmt":"2014-05-02T09:25:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?p=3614"},"modified":"2019-03-12T14:29:22","modified_gmt":"2019-03-12T03:59:22","slug":"install-solar-panels-metal-roof-without-leaks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/install-solar-panels-metal-roof-without-leaks\/","title":{"rendered":"How to install solar panels on a metal roof – without leaks."},"content":{"rendered":"

This post comes courtesy of Trevor Berrill. Trevor is\u00a0Principal of\u00a0\u00a0Solaris Sustainable Homes<\/a>\u00a0and is a 30 year veteran of\u00a0\u00a0both renewable energy \u00a0and energy efficiency. It is a honour to have him contribute to this\u00a0humble blog. Here Trevor describes\u00a0how a good solar installer should<\/strong>\u00a0install solar panels to a metal roof and how bad installers, in a hurry can do the wrong thing and leave you with a leaky roof!<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Over to you Trevor.<\/em><\/p>\n

Holier than thou? How to avoid leaks in the roof!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Nobody wants an unsealed hole in their roof as water damage can be very expensive to repair.\u00a0 This is particularly so if it is more than just water marks in the ceiling paint. So ensuring that roof penetrations are completed competently is essential when considering having a solar PV system installed on your roof.<\/p>\n

Let me give an example, last year, on about the 30 June, one of my neighbours called me over to have a look at their new PV system that the contractors had just completed installing. It was just before one of many scrambles to get solar on the roof before yet another Federal Government imposed deadline as the STCs incentives scheme was changed again.<\/p>\n

I immediately noticed that the PV array was tilted up at about 50 degrees and asked why they had done this as I could see no reason. But back to the holes in the roof. Next morning, out came the ladder and I scaled the roof to examine the installation. It\u2019s a highset house and the neighbours very seldom if ever would go up on the roof \u2013 it\u2019s a long way up and the roof is 30 degree pitch in places.<\/p>\n

The very first thing I noticed was that the contractor had used some of the existing roof screws to fasten the PV array mounting frame to the roof.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t even bothered to replace these old roof screws with new screws. Some screws had substantial rust on their heads as this is a bayside suburb exposed to salt air. Some screws were not drilled squarely through the roof bracket at highest point of the roof sheeting, as figure 1 shows. This means that the rubber seal under the bracket was not sealing properly around the screw hole, resulting in a leak. In this case the leak was over a verandah roof.\u00a0 While this is not as bad as over a living area inside with a ceiling, \u00a0it is very poor workmanship all the same. Who wants drips even on the verandah?<\/p>\n

\"rusty<\/a>

Figure 1 \u2013 Use of rusty roof screws (right side) and poorly fitted screw (left side) leaving a potential roof leak and insufficient strength in gale force winds.<\/strong> (Photo courtesy T. Berrill)<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

There\u2019s more. Australian Standards require that the existing roof screws are replaced with the next larger screw in diameter. This is to ensure a secure fastening. Furthermore, the contractor hadn\u2019t even bothered to replace existing rusting roof screws that are now under the PV array and difficult to replace.<\/p>\n

In another case that I and a colleague, Jeff Hoy inspected, a contractor used a very \u2018non standard\u2019 mounting system. This involved using brackets that bolted through the lowest part of the roof sheeting profile. The roof has a very low pitch, making matters worse. This is considered very bad practice as it is very difficult to ensure a water seal under such a bracket over time.\u00a0 Figure 2 shows this arrangement. You can see debris already accumulating around the bracket. This will trap moisture and accelerate corrosion of the roof sheeting. There are other faults with both these systems but these will be discussed in future posts.<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>

Figure 2 \u2013 Poor bracket design \u2013 Debris is already trapped around the bracket, leading to possible accelerated roof corrosion.<\/strong> (Photo courtesy J. Hoy)<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Your PV system is out in the harsh Australian elements. That means all parts on the roof will be subjected to thermal expansion and contraction daily, UV radiation attack, rain, hail, wind pressure during storms and cyclones, possibly snow or ice, bird and bat deposits, possums, cockatoos, snakes, salt air and corrosion. \u00a0Mounting systems must be installed according to Australian Standards such as AS\/NSZ 5033:2012 as these standards aim to account for our environmental conditions. The mounting of PV modules must be undertaken by licensed roofing contractors and they must install solar panels according to manufacturer\u2019s specifications. \u00a0Best practice means that not only are good quality products used, but there is considerable attention to detail. This is often lacking in many systems that I inspect.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s an example of good fixing practice. It shows the bracket fixed squarely through the highest point of the corrugated roof sheet, with a seal squashed firmly between the bracket and the roof sheeting. Note also that the cross beam under the module is raised to leave sufficient space beneath it for leaves and other debris to wash away. As modules operate more efficiently at lower temperatures, this also helps cool the modules a little by allowing more air movement.<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>

Figure 3 \u2013 Neat, well sealed PV fixing with zinc\/alum plated, oversized fixing screw.<\/strong>
(Photo courtesy T. Berrill)<\/p><\/div>\n

If you are not sure the work has been done to a satisfactory standard, find an independent solar consultant to inspect the job as soon as possible. Complaints can be made to the Clean Energy Council<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This post comes courtesy of Trevor Berrill. Trevor is\u00a0Principal of\u00a0\u00a0Solaris Sustainable Homes\u00a0and is a 30 year veteran of\u00a0\u00a0both renewable energy \u00a0and energy efficiency. It is a honour to have him contribute to this\u00a0humble blog. Here Trevor describes\u00a0how a good solar installer should\u00a0install solar panels to a metal roof and how bad installers, in a hurry […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[57],"tags":[114,58],"class_list":["post-3614","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-solar-installation","tag-roof","tag-solar-cowboys","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to install solar panels on a metal roof - without leaks. - SolarQuotes Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how to install solar panels on a metal roof without risking a leaky roof. 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I started SolarQuotes in 2009 and the SolarQuotes blog in 2013 with the belief that it\u2019s more important to be truthful and objective than popular. My last \"real job\" was working for the CSIRO in their renewable energy division. Since 2009, I\u2019ve helped over 800,000 Aussies get quotes for solar from installers I trust. 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With two decades of roofing under my belt, I've seen it all: water sneaks\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Solar Installation"","block_context":{"text":"Solar Installation","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-installation\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jonos-roof-leak-header.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jonos-roof-leak-header.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jonos-roof-leak-header.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jonos-roof-leak-header.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jonos-roof-leak-header.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":54827,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/landscape-solar-panels\/","url_meta":{"origin":3614,"position":1},"title":"Why Landscape Solar Panels Can Be Better (But More Expensive)","author":"Finn Peacock","date":"October 18, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Have you ever noticed that most solar panels installed on Australian roofs are mounted in portrait orientation? Portrait is more popular because solar panels are cheaper and quicker to install this way. This post will explain why panel orientation can matter, and why you may be better off with landscape\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Solar Installation"","block_context":{"text":"Solar Installation","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-installation\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Solar panels - portrait or landscape?","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/installers-choice.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/installers-choice.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/installers-choice.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/installers-choice.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/installers-choice.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":56172,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-flat-roof-east-west-tilts\/","url_meta":{"origin":3614,"position":2},"title":"Solar Panels On A Flat Roof? Consider East-West Tilts","author":"Finn Peacock","date":"November 22, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"To maximise the solar energy generated over a year, the perfect roof to install solar panels on in Australia is large, north-facing and inclined at an angle close to the location's latitude. Panels mounted parallel to this perfect roof will be optimised for annual energy yield, and in most parts\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Solar Installation"","block_context":{"text":"Solar Installation","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-installation\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Solar panels on a flat root - tilts","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/e-w-tilt.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/e-w-tilt.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/e-w-tilt.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/e-w-tilt.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/e-w-tilt.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":82163,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-panels-leaking-roof-scapegoat\/","url_meta":{"origin":3614,"position":3},"title":"Natural Causes: Solar Panels The Scapegoat For A Leaking Roof… Again","author":"Anthony Bennett","date":"March 18, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"As a roofer, I've been sent out to investigate some mysterious drips. And too often, the problem is blamed on solar, simply because installers were the last trade on the roof. Last week, we saw how a roofer blamed a solar installation without going to the effort of looking inside\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Solar Installation"","block_context":{"text":"Solar Installation","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-installation\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/crazy-water-leak-header.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/crazy-water-leak-header.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/crazy-water-leak-header.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/crazy-water-leak-header.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/crazy-water-leak-header.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":70742,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/installing-solar-tiled-roof\/","url_meta":{"origin":3614,"position":4},"title":"Installing Solar On A Tiled Roof? Why You Need Spare Roof Tiles","author":"Anthony Bennett","date":"March 9, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"As a qualified builder and roofer, I should disclose that I really don't like tile roofs. They're heavy, they're porous and get heavier as they soak up water, they leak heat and dirt, they're hard to install on, and sadly, as many people find out, water leaks lead to recriminations.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Solar Installation"","block_context":{"text":"Solar Installation","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-installation\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Installing solar panels on a tiled roof","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/gumtree-tiles-upper-frame.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/gumtree-tiles-upper-frame.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/gumtree-tiles-upper-frame.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/gumtree-tiles-upper-frame.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/gumtree-tiles-upper-frame.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19314,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-panels-flat-roof\/","url_meta":{"origin":3614,"position":5},"title":"Installing Solar Panels On A Flat Roof — All The Angles Covered","author":"Ronald Brakels","date":"February 20, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"If you are checking out this article because you are planning to put solar panels on a flat roof, then odds are you're looking to install a commercial solar system.\u00a0 While there are homes with flat roofs, they're not nearly as common as flat business roofs.\u00a0 But whether it's for\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Commercial Solar"","block_context":{"text":"Commercial Solar","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/commercial-solar\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/solar-on-a-flat-roof.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/solar-on-a-flat-roof.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/solar-on-a-flat-roof.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/solar-on-a-flat-roof.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3614","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3614"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3614\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28669,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3614\/revisions\/28669"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3614"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3614"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3614"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}