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November 13th Solar Ready Roofs That Aren’t: Preventing Costly Design Failures in Solar PV Installations
Event Description
As cities and states nationwide adopt “solar ready” roof requirements, a critical gap has emerged between code compliance and real-world performance. Many roofs certified as “solar ready” have proven anything but—failing catastrophically when solar arrays are installed, sometimes at wind pressures less than half their design ratings.
This presentation examines real-world solar PV projects where essential design and installation assumptions simply fell through the cracks of project communications, resulting in expensive damage and liability. You’ll learn about the limitations of wind tunnel testing, understand the cautions in FM Global standards, and discover how to prevent these failures in your own projects.
Whether you’re a roofing consultant, architect, engineer, or building envelope specialist, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of solar PV installations and protect both your clients and your professional reputation.
About the Presenter
Phil Dregger, PE, RRC, FELLOW-IIBEC, is Vice President at Salas O’Brien and a seasoned investigator and expert witness specializing in roofing and waterproofing. Phil has investigated damage related to condensation, ponded water, and strong winds including roofs with solar PV. He has expertise in cold storage condensation issues marked by his skill in hygrothermal analysis, including wood decay, biological growth, and corrosion, utilizing tools like WUFI Pro. A recognized figure in the industry, Phil actively contributes through presentations to industry and legal groups and has authored numerous technical articles. His contributions have been acknowledged with prestigious awards including the ASTM D08 William C Cullen Award and the IIBEC Joe Hale Lifetime Achievement Award.
Presentation Synopsis
Cities and States across the US continue to adopt “Solar-Ready” roof requirements along the lines of California’s code mandates. The State of Oregon recently issued a rule amending the Oregon Residential Specialty Code for “Solar Readiness” for all new residential structures. However, it is not always clear what “solar readiness” truly means. Unfortunately, many “Solar Ready” roofs have proven not to be solar ready—at least not for the type of solar array installed over them. This presentation will review solar PV projects where key design and installation assumptions simply fell through the cracks of project communications, with disastrous results.
Learning Objectives
Attendees will gain a better understanding of:
- Examples of “solar ready” ordinances and requirements
- Roles of different parties involved in typical solar PV projects
- Limitations inherent in wind tunnel testing using “rigid” models of panels and roofs
- Cautions contained in FM Global LPDS 1-15 regarding installing solar PV over mechanically attached roof membranes
- A case history where the solar PV and roof membrane were damaged at wind pressures less than half design
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