Photovoltaic is an accessible solution for all companies to access local, sustainable and cheaper energy. Self-consumption of its own solar electricity production reduces energy dependence and the cost of bills. But can all industrial roofs accommodate photovoltaic panels? What are the technical constraints to be lifted to be able to install solar modules on a roof, whether in corrugated metal, steel tray, mechanical tile, fibro slate or even fibro sheet? What if photovoltaics offered the opportunity to renovate an industrial roof? Explanations.
5 Technical criteria to check for installing solar panels on industrial roofs
To install photovoltaic panels on an industrial roof, it must meet 5 technical criteria. None of these constraints, however, are prohibitive. All can be lifted by carrying out renovation work.
1. Sufficient lifespan to accommodate solar panels
The lifetime of a photovoltaic installation is estimated Between 30 and 40 years old. The current state of the industrial roof should allow it to support the solar panels over the same duration.
2. A resistant frame
A photovoltaic installation weighs approximately 15 kg/m². Solar panels alone represent 11 to 12 kg/m² of the total load. The rest is linked to the cables and fixings. If we add the steel tray which ensures the tightness, the weight of the solar power plant can go up to 20 to 25 kg/m².
The roof must be able to accommodate this equipment. This will dependsre materials used. Thus, a corrugated sheet metal roof will support 6 kg/m², the steel tray 7 to 8 kg/m², the slates and the fibro sheet 20 kg/m², the natural slate 25 kg/m², the tiles 40 kg/m² mechanics and country tiles 70 kg/m².
Depending on the structure, it will be sometimes necessary to Reinforce the framework before any photovoltaic installation.
3. A flat surface
The installation of solar panels requires a flat surface. This must be Suitable for sizing of the photovoltaic installation.
However, there is no No technical tilt constraint To install photovoltaic panels. It is nevertheless recognized that 30 to 35° is the ideal tilt to optimize solar electricity production.
4. The absence of asbestos
Asbestos is a natural fibrous material that is dangerous to health. It is contained in the fiber cement which has long been used for the construction of roofs.
Any intervention on roofs can free up asbestos dust and put workers at a health risk. This is why an asbestos diagnosis is mandatory before carrying out work on industrial roofs dating from before 1997. In the event of proven presence of this fiber, a asbestos removal must be done.
The good news is that fiber cement roofs, once asbestos removal, are perfectly suited to photovoltaic projects. the frames installed to support this type of roof are often very resistant structures, perfectly compatible with the installation of solar panels.
5. Guaranteed waterproofing
In the event of a sealing problem, the question of responsibilities Always arises when a roof is equipped with solar panels: is the disaster linked to the photovoltaic installation or to a structural defect in the roof?
It is therefore recommended to check the tightness of the roof before installing solar panels. To eliminate any uncertainty, the best option remains Redo the roof tightness before installing the modules. Thus, we ensure that the waterproofing will have a lifetime equivalent to that of the photovoltaic installation.
Photovoltaic, an opportunity to renovate the roof of its professional buildings
Is your roof asbestos? His structure shows points of weakness? Do you have waterproofing problems? Photovoltaics can be an opportunity to renovate your industrial roof at a lower cost.
Benefit from financial aid by combining roof renovation and photovoltaic installation
There are only a few financial aids To support professionals in the repair of their industrial roofs. pairing renovation work with the installation of photovoltaic panels makes it possible to Become eligible for highly targeted aid.
This is the case in Occitania Region where a device supports the work of asbestos removal of roofs with a view to their solarization. Do not hesitate to inquire with your communities to find out if help exists in your region.
Fund the renovation of its industrial roof by installing solar panels
Some companies Specialized in the installation of solar panels partially, if not fully, cover the costs asbestos removal. They also propose to finance other types of work, such as reinforcement of the frame or insulation.
However, in this type of assembly, you will not benefit from photovoltaic production. The producer rents your roof for a set period and recovers the revenue from the resale of the solar electricity produced. You recover the property of the installation at the end of the contract. This is the principle of emphyteutic lease.
All industrial roofs can accommodate photovoltaic installations. But depending on the condition of the roof, the installation of solar panels may require additional work. These inevitably weigh on the project budget and delay the return on investment. Despite everything, A photovoltaic installation will always be profitable in the long termE. A prior technical and financial feasibility study will help professionals in their decision-making.
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