Today, photovoltaics on the roof of the hall is not a question of "if", but "when". And it is the word "when" that decides how much it will cost you.
Panels weigh something — and the structure must support it
The photovoltaic power plant, including the supporting substructure, adds approximately 0.2 kN/m² to the roof. In a hall with an area of 2,000 m², this means a load in the order of tens of tons.
That's not an insignificant number. The roof structure is designed for its own weight, snow and wind — and if the panels were not taken into account, it simply does not have a reserve for them.
Two paths to choose from at the start
A) The construction is dimensioned for FVE right from the design stage. The difference in the price of the construction is in the order of units of percent. The panels can then be installed at any time later. B) The structure is dimensioned without PV and it is resolved only afterwards. Additional strengthening means intervention in the roof structure, often also in the columns and foundations — and it happens in a hall that is already in operation.
The difference between the two paths is one of the cheapest ways to save money on the construction site.
What else to think about
Slope and orientation of the roof. A flat roof with a slope of up to 5% is an ideal base for photovoltaics — the panels are mounted on their own structure at an optimal angle. In the case of a gable roof, it is decided whether only the southern shoulder will be installed, or both.
In one of our halls, the structure is dimensioned for both arms of the gable roof. It is more expensive by a fraction, but the investor has left the door open — he will decide according to the technology and the price of energy when he buys the panels.
Type of roof sheathing. Both the sandwich panel and the folded shell with foil can support photovoltaics, but anchoring is handled differently. With the foil, it is essential that the penetrations do not disturb the waterproofing.
Passages and divorces. Cable routes, inverters and connections can be prepared during construction. Additional drilling into the finished roof is always a risk.
what we do
For halls where the investor is counting on photovoltaics — even in five years — we dimension the structure for the load. It is a standard requirement that does not complicate anything in the design.
We also deal with the slope of the roof, the composition of the shell and the preparation of penetrations so that later installation can be done without improvisation.
Non-binding request — we will discuss with you whether to count on FVE, even if it should be later.
Also look at steel halls and why it's worth it general contractor.
