Before you decide to install solar panels on your commercial building, it’s important to know the fire codes of New York City. The codes are sometimes unclear, and even the smallest change could impact the entire project pipeline. To avoid such problems, contact a NYC solar expert like Sologistics. Our experienced team will work to make sure your project goes off without a hitch. Read on to learn about the most important aspects of rooftop solar installation for commercial buildings in NYC.

Increased roof membrane thickness

The roof membrane thickness should match the expected service life of the solar array. For optimum heat and UV resistance, the membrane should be at least 80 mil thick. Additionally, the membrane should have a metallic primer on the cover board, facilitating electronic leak detection. The roof membrane must also be able to handle increased foot traffic. To ensure that the roof will remain in good condition for as long as possible, it should be installed on a sturdy structure.

An adhered thin-film panel system is an alternative to a mechanically attached system. However, the roof membrane is likely to billow with the membrane over time, which may compromise the solar performance. Therefore, it is important to install an adhered membrane system and consider the roofing materials’ compatibility. In addition to assessing their compatibility, the roofing membrane must also meet local code requirements and uplift resistance requirements.

Tracker mounts

Tracker mounts for rooftop solar commercial buildings offer several benefits. They are modular, require fewer tools, and are easier to install. Additionally, they do not require regular maintenance, so a simple annual checkup will suffice. On the other hand, tracking systems require ongoing professional maintenance. If you are considering solar installation for your commercial building, a tracker mount may be the right solution. However, there are a few things to consider before deciding on this system.

Traditional dual-axis trackers attach a table of panels to a pole many feet in the ground. The weight of these systems would be too much to lift from the roof. Thus, a new pivoting/tracking solution was needed. This led Gross to develop the PV Booster, a single-axis tracking system for ground-mount installations. Later, Idealab was acquired by EPC.

DC/AC wiring for inverters

DC/AC wiring for inverters on a rooftop solar commercial building connects the panels to the inverter. Inverters invert power, but they also provide grid services. Inverters use two primary electrical quantities, voltage and current, which are usually synchronized. Delays between voltage and current can reduce their efficiency. Moreover, the power flowing through the circuit will not be absorbed by the connected devices. This results in a loss in efficiency, which means you will need more total power to produce the same amount of “real” power.

When installing the inverter, it is important to ensure that the battery is securely anchored. The cables should remain in the conduit run to reach the inverter or charge controller. To protect the battery from weather, you can install conduit penetration flashings that transition the rooftop conduit into the attic. In addition to the inverter, you should also install cable clips to organize the exposed wiring beneath the array. The cables should be installed securely against strong winds and keep them out of the way during maintenance.

Costs

There are several benefits of installing a rooftop solar energy system for commercial buildings. Not only do these buildings lower their energy bills, but they also enjoy tax benefits, increase in property value, and other financial incentives. For owner-occupied buildings, solar is particularly attractive because landlords can pass on the savings to their tenants. By marketing their building as “green,” they can command higher rents. However, the costs of rooftop solar for commercial buildings can be very expensive.

The cost of installing a commercial solar panel system varies. The average commercial electricity bill is around $557 before a solar system is installed. This bill decreases to only $1,050 after a solar system is installed. In addition, costs have decreased significantly in the last five years, making solar systems an affordable investment for many commercial buildings. Nonetheless, the costs associated with rooftop solar systems for commercial buildings can be prohibitive for some businesses.

0