Who Should Install Your Photovoltaic System?

Installers of rooftop solar systems: who are they? Consider all the numerous types of solar installers: pure PV guys, HVAC guys, electric contractors, roofers, etc. In California alone you can find roughly 80,000 photovoltaic installers. So are all solar installers created equal? Who is the best candidate for your rooftop PV installation? There are many reasons why the answer should be roofers. Consider the following advantages of roofers over pure electricians:

They know weatherproofing techniques. A rooftop PV system should not just generate electricity; being an integral part of the roof, it should protect you and your property from precipitations. Who knows weatherproofing techniques better than roofers?

They have an understanding of roof loading techniques. Solar panels may create an extra load on the roof structure. Who knows how to distribute load on a roof better than roofers?

They understand material transport across a rooftop. This is especially important for flat or low-slope roofs. Improper storage materials on the roof may cause structure collapse.
 
They know how to do it safely. Roofers use proper safety considerations during installation (e.g., torch use).

They know how to work at high heights. Not everybody can work on heights, nor can they do it safely. Roofers work on heights every day; they are properly trained, they have appropriate experience, and they have proper insurance.

They are familiar with site organization, staging, public safety, and material hoisting. If part of a rooftop system is not properly hoisted it may pose significant danger to public safety.

With all this comes the key factor, roof warranty. Any roof penetration (which is almost imminent for rooftop installation) almost certainly waives your warranty (check your warranty!). In the end, working with roofers while installing a PV system may save you from hassle down the road. (Tip: if your roof is old enough, do your roof and install the PV system simultaneously. It may save you significant amounts of money at the time of installation and down the road). 

So, how is it supposed to work? Definitely, electricians should not take on roofing duties, nor should roofers take on electrician duties. Thus, your ideal solar installer consists of the best of two worlds: a roofers' company with electricians on board (either as a part of the company or a subcontractor).

To learn more about solar photovoltaics visit Solar PV Installation. To learn more about roofing visit Toronto Roofers.