A Roofer’s Guide to Sustainability YIRTG is pleased to acknowledge that the Roofers Guide to Sustainability Modular Programme was developed as a result of funding provided by CITB ConstructionSkills as part of their long term commitment to training and quality standards in the specialist roofing sector. This support is gratefully appreciated Positioning and Installing Solar Panels

The Plan Sign attendance Register Aims Presentation Activity Review

Course Aims To raise awareness of conditions required for the installation of solar panels To promote safe working

Activity What should be considered to ensure safe working when installing panels

Before installing solar collectors on a flat roof consider… The condition of the existing waterproofing Is the roof decking structurally sound Ensure it is safe to carryout the installation How do you intend to lift the solar panels to the roof area safely

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) Work at height should be: Properly planned Appropriately supervised Not carried out if weather conditions jeopardise health and safety Those working at height should be: competent or if being trained, supervised by a competent person

To receive Feed in tariff: - PV system must be MCS accredited Electrical system must be installed & commissioned by MCS accredited installer Microgeneration Certification Scheme

Planning Permission

Conservation/Heritage sites Exceptions exist where the building is listed, or is in World Heritage site or Conservation Area. In these cases, and particularly if the panels are to be mounted on an elevation visible from the highway, then Planning Consent will be required. In these cases the panels might be mounted on an outbuilding or elevation not visible from the highway but planning permission may still be required

Roof Structure Many traditional roofs are already at or near load capacity before installation of panels

Roof Condition Roofs should have the same projected lifespan as the panels being installed

Maintenance Consider Maintenance of – The Roof – The Panels

Maintenance

Wind Loading Wind loading should be carefully calculated to ensure the solar installation will be able to maintain the expected loads placed upon it and to ensure the loads are not transferred to the roof covering.

WattA measurement of power, the rate of energy conversion. PVPhotovoltaic – a material which generates electricity when exposed to light. CellA single PV unit. PV ModuleA series of single cells mounted and connected to form a /Panelsingle unit. ArrayA series of PV panels connected together. StringThe wiring arrangement for an array of PV panels. ACAlternating current – flow direction, changing 50 times per second. DCDirect current – continuously flows in one direction. InverterDevice to convert DC electricity to grid level AC electricity. Glossary of Terms

Activity Knowledge Test – Check your knowledge

“The Yorkshire Independent Roof Training Group is pleased to acknowledge that the Roofers Guide to Sustainability has been developed and produced as a result of funding provided by CITB ConstructionSkills as part of their long term commitment to training and quality standards in the specialist roofing sector. This support is gratefully appreciated