Client Quote
"With the help of Meridian I was the very first recipient of the City of Austin's residential solar rebate program years ago! The experience was so wonderful that when we bought a new house and moved last year we had Meridian install a second system. I recommend their experience and professionals to everyone that will listen."
S. Spreitzer
Did You Know
In 1966, the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory was launched with a 1-kW PV array.
Mounting Types
Roof Mount
Roof mount is the most common and cost-effective type of installation for residential, commercial and industrial applications. An array of solar panels will be located on the roof of the property. In most cases this array will be attached directly to the structural members of the building. These attachments must be sufficiently robust to withstand sufficient wind loading.
Solar panels are typically mounted to an aluminum or galvanized steel support structure. For some commercial flat-roof applications there is the ability to install the solar modules without making any penetrations in the roof. Solar roof installations are typically light weight and usually add less than 4lb/ft2 to the roof load. Virtually all residential and commercial roofs are able to accept this additional load without the need for structural modification.
Ground Mount
In cases where there is not sufficient roof space, solar modules can also be mounted on the grounds of your property. The most common type of ground mount is a wedge structure constructed from steel supports anchored in concrete footings. The remainder of the structure is built from aluminum or galvanized steel.
Pole Mount
A second type of ground mounted array is a pole mount. In this type of installation an array is mounted on top of a single steel pole. This type of installation has the advantage of being manually adjustable, so that the system owner can change the pitch of the array at different times of the year.
Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
BIPV installations are integrated into the structure of a building. Common BIPV applications include car ports, awnings, and curtain walls. BIPV installations have the advantage of providing function in addition to power production. For example, in the case of a car port, the solar modules simultaneously produce power and provide shaded parking.
Roof Attachments
Most solar power systems are installed on roofs. Although this technique is usually reliable and inconspicuous, leaks can occur over the lifetime of the system, even under the best of circumstances. To minimize the possibility of leakage, we will not install a solar energy system on a roof that is old or is already leaking. We have also developed a number of preferred roofing techniques that are suitable for a variety of different roof materials.
Solar energy modules are light and subject to substantial wind loading. Therefore, our biggest concern is ensuring that the roof attachment does not fatigue or weaken as a result of wind loading over its lifespan.
Here is an overview of the practices we use to provide the best long-term value for your solar power system.
Composition Roof. Since composition shingles are flexible and compressible, attachment through the shingle itself is effective. Aluminum angles are securely attached to the underlying rafters with stainless steel lag screws. This assembly is then sealed using a urethane caulking material.
Wood Shake Roof. Wood shakes can crack and leak if they are drilled or compressed. We therefore remove several shakes to locate the underlying rafters. Metal standoffs are then installed to these rafters with stainless steel lag screws. The standoffs are then sealed and flashed using a urethane caulking material. Shakes are replaced around the standoffs.
Masonry or Rigid Tile Roof. Masonry shakes can crack and leak if they are drilled or compressed. We therefore remove several shingles to locate the underlying rafters. Metal standoffs are then installed to these rafters with stainless steel lag screws. The standoffs are then sealed and flashed using a urethane caulking material. Shingles are replaced around the standoffs.
Flat Roof. Since water can pool on flat roofs it is particularly important that the roof be in good condition. For these installations, aluminum angles are securely attached to the underlying rafters with stainless steel lag screws. This assembly is then sealed using a durable caulking material. If there is any possibility of water pooling around the roof attachments, it may be necessary to anchor the attachment points to wooden "sleepers" mounted above the roof surface.
True Standing Seam (Metal) Roof.
A standing seam roof is constructed of many interlocking panels that run vertically along the roof. The interlocking seams are raised above the flat roof to prevent rainwater from seeping beneath. Racking involves clamping attachments on the seam. Typically, this process does not involve roof penetration.
