Why solar and vegetation need coordination
A green roof is a living roof assembly, not just an empty space waiting for equipment. It needs appropriate light, water, drainage and access. A conventional tilted solar array covers areas of vegetation and can make those conditions less uniform. Maintenance workers also need room to inspect drains, remove unwanted plants and look after the growing layer.
Conventional arrays often need to be designed into the green-roof project before planting and other layers are installed. That does not mean tilted panels and vegetation can never coexist. It means their support, shade and access requirements need deliberate planning. An existing green roof can be harder to adapt if the original arrangement left no paths or support locations.
What vertical rows change
Over Easy Solar uses upright bifacial panels on support feet. Compared with broad tilted surfaces, the open rows leave more of the planted area exposed to light and rainfall. Plants can grow between and beneath the rows when the clearance and planting are suitable. The equipment rests on the roof without fasteners or penetrations through the waterproofing.
Those features do not remove the need to check the roof assembly. The support feet, vegetation layer, insulation and waterproofing must remain compatible with the proposed installation. Wind load is calculated per project, and a licensed structural engineer must confirm that the roof can take the equipment and relevant other loads. A green-roof specialist should review any changes to planting or maintenance.
Retrofitting an extensive sedum roof
An extensive green roof generally uses shallow growing media and low-growing planting. Sedum is a common planting choice. Over Easy can be added to an existing extensive green roof where the structure, planting and roof condition are suitable. Before a layout is agreed, record the roof build-up, drainage routes, access paths and existing vegetation rather than relying only on the visible surface.
The BIO 120 foot is intended for sedum green roofs. The BIO 300 foot is intended for intensive green roofs, which have deeper media and more substantial planting. Foot selection must match the actual roof, not simply the name used in a brochure. Tell the supplier how high plants grow, how the roof is maintained and whether the planting varies across the roof.
Clearance and vegetation height
Vegetation taller than the clearance under the panels will shade them; tell us what is planted and we will recommend the right foot height. A photo taken just after trimming may not represent the height reached during the growing season. Review mature height and maintenance practices with the people who look after the roof.
Shading changes energy production, and not every plant tolerates the same light conditions. Open rows help share the roof, but they do not guarantee identical growth everywhere. The project team should agree how to manage plants near panels, supports and electrical equipment. Cable routes should remain accessible and should not obstruct normal green-roof maintenance.
Keep maintenance part of the design
A workable arrangement leaves access to drains, roof edges, service equipment and inspection points. Consider how staff move tools across the roof and how damaged components or sections of planting would be reached. Do not use every available gap for another row if doing so prevents routine work. Roof maintenance and solar maintenance need to coexist.
ArcEdge is the U.S. representative and distributor for Over Easy Solar. It supplies the system and supports installers with layout information and training. Your roofer or solar installer carries out the work, with a licensed electrician making the electrical connection. Start with a roof plan, the location, membrane information and planting details so the teams can assess the roof together.
Frequently asked questions
Can it be added to an existing green roof?
Yes, an existing extensive green roof may be suitable after the roof, structure, vegetation and layout are reviewed.
Can tall plants shade the panels?
Yes. Mature plant height must be compared with panel clearance and maintained access.