The basics of solar design:
-Panels placed so that they are facing the sun, on the Northern Hemisphere Pointing South, and for the Southern Hemisphere Pointing North, otherwise you will not get as much production (on the order of 40 to 50% less than if properly oriented).
-Arrays in residential areas are generally roof mounted by the way of a flush mount or a tilt-up kit with structural engineering review. Ground Mounts are also available if there is room on the property, and they require additional surveys and documentation.
– Most Jurisdictions have setback requirements for panels from roof edges and restrictions on how tall tilt-up arrays can be. (As a rule of causation, I would recommend leaving at 12 to 18 inches from the bottom of a roof and top of the gutter line to the first point of installation, and a similar amount from top of a ridgeline to the highest panel. (Diagram Below (fig 1).
– Setbacks may also be required for emergency personnel to be able to move from the front to the back of the building and from one side to another, and please check with local jurisdictions (Diagram Below (fig 2).
….[The] commission has established regulations for the installation of photovoltaic systems meeting certain requirements for low-rise residential buildings built on or after January 1, 2020.
— State of California Mandate to Build Solar Date Published: 09/07/2019
Consultation services are available to help anticipate your clients needs and to help design systems that meet their sites limits or are designed to meet your clients energy needs.
