Service - Structural inspection and certification
Prior to installing a solar system your structures should be assessed by a structural engineer to ensure the potential renewable energy solution is safe to install. Our report outlines your site constraints adhering to Australian standards and Clean Energy Council guidelines.
Harnessing solar energy for large-scale commercial applications is not just about picking the right panels and inverters. The integrity of the building's structure is equally crucial, especially the roof that will bear the brunt of the solar installation. Our comprehensive inspection and certification service ensures that your commercial building is both ready and safe for a solar system.
The Importance of Structural Integrity
When you add solar panels to your roof, you're introducing new variables to a complex equation. The added weight (dead loads) and aerodynamic forces (live loads) can strain your roof's structural elements. That's why an expert inspection is non-negotiable. We adhere to Australian standards and Clean Energy Council guidelines to ensure that your installation is as safe as it is efficient.
Here's what we'll assess for you.
Inspection process`
Our inspection process considers both dead and live loads imposed on the roof by a solar system:
- Dead Loads: These are static loads added by the weight of the panels themselves.
- Live Loads: These are dynamic loads, primarily the forces exerted by wind against the panels.
Our inspection will focus on the following aspects:
- Building heights and angles, considering their effect on wind dynamics.
- The strength of rafters and purlins.
- Bridging and overlapping structural members.
- Roof sheet types and their compatibility with solar installations.
- Existing corrosion or decay.
- Any heavy objects already installed on the roof.
We accompany these evaluations with photo verification and supply this data to our engineers.
Engineering Certification
Post-inspection, our partnered structural engineers analyze the collected data to affirm the roof's adequacy to withstand the added weight and wind forces. Should the planned solar installation exceed the roof’s safe load-bearing capacity, we'll offer alternative configurations.
Why You Can't Skip This Step
Not all roofs are engineered to support the additional weight of a solar system. For those that aren't, the implications can be serious—from structural failure to invalidated insurances. We will:
- Examine for defects like cracks, gaps, or subsidence that could affect the solar installation.
- Evaluate external conditions like neighboring structures or trees that may impact the solar panels' efficiency.
- Assess your roof's structural members to ensure they can withstand the added stress.
The Outcome
Based on our inspection and assessment, you will receive a detailed report confirming the structural readiness of your roof for solar installation. The report may also include recommendations for any required strengthening measures.
Conclusion
In a booming market for commercial solar installations, cutting corners is not an option. Our structural inspection and certification service provides a safety net, assuring you that your investment is built on solid ground—literally.