This guide covers the installation of Chiko’s mounting technique when retrofitting on a pitched roof exactly where the solar panels are mounted on two parallel horizontal rails. This guide really should be study in conjunction together with the PV module manufacturer’s data sheet and also of relevant documentation.
General great roofing practice should really often be followed. The specifications for the roof covering should be taken into account, plus it’s important to be sure that the weathertightness, thermal insulation, ventilation, structural stability are not compromised by the installation. It really is advisable that suitably certified persons execute the installation not to mention a structural engineer consulted if needed.
1. Figure out the obtainable roof location exactly where the PV modules can be mounted.
two. Figure out the roof covering kind, e.g. profiled tile, and also choose the proper Chiko roof anchor product.
three. Decide where the roof anchors might be attached, within the case regarding wooden roof structures this can be governed by the spacing associated with the rafters or trusses.
4. Decide how numerous PV modules are to become mounted not to mention the layout associated with the modules to present you with the number relating to rows and then the number related with modules in every row. Centre the array about PV modules more than the structural members as considerably as you possibly can.
five. For each and every row regarding PV modules determine how a lot of roof anchors are required and also their fixing positions, e.g. a roof anchor on each other rafter.
The number concerning roof anchors utilized must be adequate to resist wind loads and also any other imposed loadings. Wind loads vary all through the UK and also are influenced by roof height, roof pitch, topography and so on. The edge location connected with a roof will encounter greater wind loads than central areas. The components list needed to perform the installation can now be calculated comprising about the lengths for mounting rail plus quantity related with roof anchors, module clamps plus accessories. Chiko’s calculator tool can generate a components list for you personally. Make certain you’ve got all of the components needed before starting the installation.
Chiko gives a variety relating to roof anchor items to suit various roof coverings. Each roof anchor fits within a certain way; refer to each and every product’s fitting instructions for more details. Mark the positions where the roof anchors are to be fitted on the roof covering. The roof anchors ought to be spaced evenly having a roof anchor as close for the end related with the array as you possibly can; a maximum overhang about quarter for the module width is permitted. In the case concerning tiled roofs, expose the roof structure where the anchor is always to be fitted by removing or pushing up the tiles. Fix every single anchor into position based on the solution’s fitting directions, taking care to ensure the roof anchors for each row are in alignment. Within the case concerning tiled roofs, replace the tiles around the roof anchor and additionally make certain the roof covering is safe together with weathertight.
Construct the two mounting rails to the length essential. The aluminium rails might be simply cut utilizing a hacksaw or circular saw. If longer lengths are needed than supplied, connect the lengths together using a rail connector fitted on the underside relating to the rail. Rails could be connected collectively to a maximum connected with 12 metres, above this length there should be an interruption to permit for thermal expansion. Attach the 1st horizontal rail to the roof anchor utilizing a hammer head screw and also fasten with all the self-locking nut guaranteeing that the screw head is situated correctly within the rail profile. Attach the other horizontal rail inside the identical manner coupled with verify to guarantee the two mounting rails are parallel by measuring that the two diagonal distances from the rail ends are equal. Push match the plastic end caps onto the rail ends to offer a neat finish. Fit two slide protection devices to the rear relating to every single module prior to installation. Attach the devices utilizing the offered holes around the rear of the PV module such that the devices will be above the mounting rail when the modules are in position.