Transcript
Hi, this is Jared Friesen with Lumen Energy, here to talk to you about what happens to your roof when solar is installed on it.
Today, we’re going to focus primarily on flat commercial rooftops—what will happen on your roof and what it will look like once the system is complete.
It’s generally a fairly painless process, and your facility will be protected throughout. Let’s start by talking about how the solar array is held in place.
There are a few different ways this can be done.
The first is using ballast blocks, which rely on weight to hold the system in place. With this approach, there are typically no penetrations in your roof. Instead, the solar array is secured by the added weight of the ballast.
The second approach is to install mounts that go through your roof and connect directly into the building structure. This adds less weight to the roof, but it can be more labor-intensive since each support point requires a penetration.
The third option is a hybrid approach, which combines both methods. In this case, ballast blocks are primarily used to hold the system in place, with strategic roof penetrations added in areas where additional support is needed—typically where wind loads are highest.
In most cases, ballast blocks do the majority of the work, with penetrations used only where necessary.
In addition to the mounting system, your roof will also include the solar panels themselves, along with wiring, conduit, and electrical components such as inverters that support the system.
Your roof likely already has other important elements—like HVAC systems, vents, fans, and drains. The solar layout is designed to maintain easy access to all of these components for ongoing maintenance.
There will also be designated pathways, or aisles, to ensure firefighters can access the roof in case of an emergency. Space will also be maintained around the edges of the roof to ensure safety and prevent falls.
At Lumen Energy, along with our developer partners, we ensure that every installation is completed safely and professionally. We carefully vet our partners to confirm they follow best practices, have the proper training, and treat your property with respect.
The reality is that there will be some changes to your roof. However, its integrity will be maintained.
All work will be permitted and code-compliant, and roof warranties will remain intact. As a result, you’ll be able to generate 20 or more years of revenue or savings from your rooftop with little to no effort.
The benefit of working with a solar broker like Lumen Energy is that we sit on your side of the table, making sure everything turns out well for you and your property.
About Lumen Energy
Lumen Energy is a modern solar broker helping commercial real estate owners turn rooftops into revenue. We sit on your side of the table—running investment-grade analysis, sourcing competitive bids, and helping you scale solar across your portfolio without the headaches.
