Solar Roofing for Developers: How to Evaluate an Integrated PV Roof
Treat an integrated PV roof as one building system and evaluate it that way. Test it on the real roof design, work out who has to approve and build it, and price it against the true alternative, which is a conventional roof with panels on top. Then confirm documents and installer capacity before the roofing package goes out to tender.
A feasibility process that doesn't waste anyone's time
- Say what you want from it: on-site generation, design quality, a planning requirement, or some mix.
- Screen the roofs. Look at orientation, pitch, plane size and shade for each building type.
- Get a preliminary layout and an indicative scope for one representative building.
- Compare like with like: integrated roof against conventional roof plus panels.
- Confirm approvals, utility requirements and documentation for the jurisdiction.
- Decide before the roofing package is tendered.
Who needs to know what
| Who | What they need |
|---|---|
| Owner or investor | What's being bought, how it stacks up against the alternative, and who stands behind it |
| Architect | The panel module, the details, and how the roof design can suit the system |
| General contractor | Sequence, lead times and how the scope splits between trades |
| Roofing contractor | Installation method, training and the handoff to electrical |
| Electrical contractor | System design, equipment locations and connection requirements |
| Local authority and utility | The documents and approvals their processes call for |
| Operator or homeowner | How the roof is maintained and who to call |
What moves the numbers on a scheme
Repetition helps more than anything. If the same roof type shows up across many units, design and installation both get more efficient. Phasing matters too, because roofing and electrical work have to slot into the rest of the build. On the procurement side, allow for lead time and write down how the scope divides between trades. And think about handover early: decide which documents and contacts go to whoever ends up owning the building.
One system to look after
With an integrated roof, the weathering layer and the generating layer are the same thing. That means one installation and one set of details. It also means roof maintenance and solar maintenance should be planned together. Ask for the roof and electrical warranty terms in writing, and find out how service calls are handled.
Best for
- New developments and redevelopments where roofs are being built or replaced
- Schemes with repeated roof types
- Projects where the roof affects value or approval
May not be best for
- Buildings whose roofs are staying put
- Schemes with very varied, fragmented roofs
- Projects where roofing is already bought
Questions we get asked
When does the decision need to be made?
Before roof design is frozen and before the roofing package goes to tender.
How do I compare costs fairly?
Put the integrated roof up against the full alternative: a conventional roof plus a rack-mounted system, with both installations included.
Will it change the construction programme?
It changes the sequence, since roofing and electrical work are coordinated. Work that through with the general contractor early.
Can we use it on only some buildings?
Yes. A lot of schemes start with the building types whose roofs suit it best.
Technical documents
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