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Solar panel query
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Cathryn



Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 15 8:57 pm    Post subject: Solar panel query Reply with quote
    

We are having new slates on the roof and might have solar panels on top of them at a later date. We need to make sure that the timber is in the right place between the joists. I don't suppose there is a standard width for the solar panel fittings so that they fit onto the battens is there?

I found this but it doesn't answer the question or it does because it suggests that there are no standard fittings.

https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/domestic/sites/default/files/reports/Solar%20pv%20fixings%20and%20wind%20loading.pdf

RichardW



Joined: 24 Aug 2006
Posts: 8443
Location: Llyn Peninsular North Wales
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 15 10:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Dont worry, they put the mounts where the timbers are & then use rails across all the mounts as a sub frame to put the panels on.

Falstaff



Joined: 27 May 2009
Posts: 1014

PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 15 11:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

If I'd just had a brand new beautiful Welsh slate roof, There's not a way on this earth some ijut would be drilling holes through the slates to stick some panels (solar or otherwise on! )

alison
Downsizer Moderator


Joined: 29 Oct 2004
Posts: 12918
Location: North Devon
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 15 11:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

We have ours held with brackets that are an integral part of the hanging of the tiles. None of the tiles are drilled. All tiles are clipped and nailed.

Falstaff



Joined: 27 May 2009
Posts: 1014

PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 15 12:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Quite so Alison, but cathryn is having slates ! - The link provided clearly states that the slates will be drilled (Carefully)

Cathryn



Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 15 8:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Slates but not beautiful Welsh slates. No way could we afford them.

We don't really want the mount and rail type unless we can have them from a company that's been in business for thirty odd years and can give us a thirty odd year guarantee. All the gales hit that side of the house so the frames have to withstand that as well as the corrosion effect of salt winds. Aluminium is not good at that. Nothings much good at that.

I might go on knock on doors of people with houses in similar positions and see how well theirs are lasting.

RichardW



Joined: 24 Aug 2006
Posts: 8443
Location: Llyn Peninsular North Wales
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 15 6:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

They will all be mounted on rails. I dont think anyone will mount each panel individually with 4 mounts when the entire system can be mounted using rails & hence less mounts in total. Less mounts = less points that could leak.

Cathryn



Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 15 6:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Ah good point.

onemanband



Joined: 26 Dec 2010
Posts: 1473
Location: NCA90
PostPosted: Mon Mar 09, 15 9:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Falstaff wrote:
Quite so Alison, but cathryn is having slates ! - The link provided clearly states that the slates will be drilled (Carefully)


No the link states that the slates MAY be drilled. It is poorly written tho and does imply how you read it.
Agree drilling straight through the slates is just wrong for several reasons. One being that if you crack a tile you're going to have to lift and replace tiles anyway - so why not just do the job properly in the first place.

A google image search throws up several types of fitting for slate tiles, aswell as some good examples of how to do it properly.

onemanband



Joined: 26 Dec 2010
Posts: 1473
Location: NCA90
PostPosted: Mon Mar 09, 15 6:26 pm    Post subject: Re: Solar panel query Reply with quote
    

Cathryn wrote:
We are having new slates on the roof and might have solar panels on top of them at a later date.


If you are 100% definitely going to fit solar panels I would suggest getting the mounting brackets fitted whilst the roof is being done. Your roofer will make a better job of it than a panel fitter. Also, although you can retro fit the brackets, either - the tiles will need stripping up to the ridge(and the ridge) in order to re-nail them - or there will have to be repair tangs to secure the removed tiles.

Have you considered solar tiles ? Such as MarleyEternit. Yeh they're not real slate but given your location it might be a better option (I can't answer that off-hand)

Cathryn



Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion
PostPosted: Mon Mar 09, 15 6:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Good advice, thank you! I read about solar tiles as it did seem to make sense since we are replacing all the tiles but apparently they are less efficient?

onemanband



Joined: 26 Dec 2010
Posts: 1473
Location: NCA90
PostPosted: Mon Mar 09, 15 6:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Can't comment on efficiency.
I guess benefits would be .......

better wind resistance
zero chance of leaks as no bracket penetrations
smaller units might mean less expense from storm damage
decent artificial tile probably tougher and longer lifespan than slate

You'd also have to consider weight of different tiles. A lot of victorian houses round here with saggy roofs where concrete tiles have replaced slate.

Cathryn



Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion
PostPosted: Mon Mar 09, 15 7:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Wind resistance and storm damage does worry me and would be a question for anyone supplying it. We don't necessarily need to put them on the roof either. Thank you, your suggestions have given us lots more questions to answer.

RichardW



Joined: 24 Aug 2006
Posts: 8443
Location: Llyn Peninsular North Wales
PostPosted: Mon Mar 09, 15 9:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Cathryn wrote:
Good advice, thank you! I read about solar tiles as it did seem to make sense since we are replacing all the tiles but apparently they are less efficient?


Efficiency is not important unless you have limited space.

A 1kW system will produce 1kW no matter if it is 10% or 20% efficient. The 10% one will just be twice as big.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Tue Mar 10, 15 7:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

They finally have solar tiles then! I remember this being suggested way back in the 1970s when we used to get a magazine about all things Green. Long defunct.

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