Thread: The evolution of a (semi) flat roof solar install....An EPIC mini series!

Originally Posted by Len-Det64

I would hate to have re-roof that place.

I'd hate to re roof any house. That **** sucks.

Nothing too sexy today. We were held up today b/c of the chance of rain. Also, there was some trench digging and I doubt anyone wants to see pics of that.


I am far from great w/ my conduit bending but I'm getting much better. This is what we call a jumper conduit. It's jumping the wires from one small array of panels to another.


More conduit. You can also see that the wiring is pretty much done. The wires just need an H-4 head that will then connect to a module.

what the hell are you doing with a roll of MIG wires?!?!

Originally Posted by KRC1221

When you're guaranteeing something for 20 years, no its not over the top. This process is much quicker than our old process. Any leaks are our responsibility.

By the way.....STALKER!

Yeah, that is 100% true, and I'm actually not in place to question your methods, as I'm sure you're more than familiar with what you're doing. Also, now that I look at these new pictures, it doesn't seem that big at all.

Originally Posted by KRC1221

They actually do do that in a way. Its called B.I.P.V. Building Integrated Photovoltaics. The good part about putting them on the traditional way is that the shade that the modules create will actually help cool the inside if the house.

Yep, it can be done, and, considering you can get a nice subvention (at least in Slovenia you can), that means your new roof is almost cheap, if you factor in that it's going to reduce or even zero your electricity bill.
Though my primary concern would be that these panels are the only thing keeping the rain from filling your house. It would have to be really well sealed, and the panels would have to be resistant to all kinds of nasty weather...and most importantly, they would have to be long-lasting, as no one likes to re-build their roof every 10 years.
Regarding shade, it could be a problem in California (here during winter the shade would not be as welcome...but is it really that much of a problem? The roof itself conducts basically all of the heat to the next layer beneath it, whereas a module is using the energy from the sun to produce electricity. Wouldn't that mean it's better at insulation than ordinary roofs?

Originally Posted by KRC1221

How bad is your roof?

Two layers of asphalt on shake on furring strips. Its a mess.

Originally Posted by ValleyFan

Two layers of asphalt on shake on furring strips. Its a mess.

tear off, sheave, and comp roof. depending on the size and pitch of the roof, done by a pro, figure about 15k, more or less.

Originally Posted by x-wingcamewest:2377615

Originally Posted by ValleyFan

Two layers of asphalt on shake on furring strips. Its a mess.

tear off, sheave, and comp roof. depending on the size and pitch of the roof, done by a pro, figure about 15k, more or less.

15k is no problem for a re roof but a leased solar system is too expensive?! Just sayin.... ;-)

dude, I'm not debating the benifits of solar. I have it at my house, wind turbines too. It is just costly for the average Joe. I don't know what the lease thing is about.. I'm off the grid where I live other than a phone line for internet. I wish the Obama stimulus would have gone into solar more than what it did in the states that it makes sense. It may have helped bring the price down for most folks. I think solar, especially in the west, is the way to go. It is to bad PGE et al is fighting this tooth and nail.

and for the record smart ass, a new roof is more important than solar if your funds are limited.

Originally Posted by x-wingcamewest:2377723

dude, I'm not debating the benifits of solar. I have it at my house, wind turbines too. It is just costly for the average Joe. I don't know what the lease thing is about.. I'm off the grid where I live other than a phone line for internet. I wish the Obama stimulus would have gone into solar more than what it did in the states that it makes sense. It may have helped bring the price down for most folks. I think solar, especially in the west, is the way to go. It is to bad PGE et al is fighting this tooth and nail.

and for the record smart ass, a new roof is more important than solar if your funds are limited.

Easy tiger. I'm just giving you a hard time. Hence the wink. Moving on.

Its like leasing a car. Down payment and then a monthly payment which will be less than your monthly electricity bill. So the upfront cost is not that bad. This is all assuming that the client has a very good credit score.

I commend you and you being off grid. I'd love to see some pics. Did the city make you jump through many hoops and drag you through the mud when trying to get it commissioned?

And yes i am a smartass and i take pride in it. Don't take offense to it b/c none was intended.