Switching to solar

[wombat0oh]

Retired folk here trying to transition my household to solar setting though my house already is power efficient but yeah who doesn't wanna save more right? been really stressed and worried about water leaks thats why i'm really glad i found this forum to seek help from. I hope someone finds this concern of mine and provide insights and thoughts. ive got a really good plan now, a proposal for a 5.4kw system with 10panels on my over a decade tpo flat roof. the catch would mean a lot of penetrations im sure and probably 40-50 for the anchors. So my questions include, does the number of flashings really sound that concerning? Could we use a rail-based system to cut down on penetrations? please provide suggested number of anchors. and lastly the cost of TPO flasings and warranties, any ideas? Thank you.

 

[samsamsammy]

So my questions include, does the number of flashings really sound that concerning? Could we use a rail-based system to cut down on penetrations? please provide suggested number of anchors. and lastly the cost of TPO flasings and warranties, any ideas?

I don't have much info regarding the other bits so let me try this part.
First off, that number of anchor points is still ok! You don't have to worry about that. It's not at all concerning! But I need to know the panel size and local wind and snow load requirements. You already provided you have a flat roof. If you really want to reduce the penetrations, I guess it's best to do railless mounting.

By the way, if you are not too skilled, it's probably best to hire a local specialist to install all this. Idk if your peace and quiet in retirement has already made you an expert installer so if yes then that's fantastic, you'll cut costs.

Best of luck.

 

[PanelDoctor55]

I don't really know a ton about the flashing side of things, but yeah, 40 50 penetrations eh.. does sound like a lot although probably still workable but I'd totally look into a rail based system if it helps cut that number down, maybe ballast mounts could be an option too? as for tpo flashings and warranties, no clue, but I bet someone here knows. Hope it all works out

 

[eevee]

Retired folk here trying to transition my household to solar setting though my house already is power efficient but yeah who doesn't wanna save more right? been really stressed and worried about water leaks thats why i'm really glad i found this forum to seek help from. I hope someone finds this concern of mine and provide insights and thoughts. ive got a really good plan now, a proposal for a 5.4kw system with 10panels on my over a decade tpo flat roof. the catch would mean a lot of penetrations im sure and probably 40-50 for the anchors. So my questions include, does the number of flashings really sound that concerning? Could we use a rail-based system to cut down on penetrations? please provide suggested number of anchors. and lastly the cost of TPO flasings and warranties, any ideas? Thank you.

Just dropping by to say congratulations on switching to solar. That's a big first step. Off-topic but I wanna ask what's your motivation in doing so?

Also any update about everything here? @samsamsammy gave pretty good thoughts.

 

[offgridliving]

Retired folk here trying to transition my household to solar setting though my house already is power efficient but yeah who doesn't wanna save more right? been really stressed and worried about water leaks thats why i'm really glad i found this forum to seek help from. I hope someone finds this concern of mine and provide insights and thoughts. ive got a really good plan now, a proposal for a 5.4kw system with 10panels on my over a decade tpo flat roof. the catch would mean a lot of penetrations im sure and probably 40-50 for the anchors. So my questions include, does the number of flashings really sound that concerning? Could we use a rail-based system to cut down on penetrations? please provide suggested number of anchors. and lastly the cost of TPO flasings and warranties, any ideas? Thank you.

I know people that have mounted solar panels on their roof. I've never heard them mention anything about leaking. When I built my house I didn't put any penetrations in the roof. My vents go outside through the walls. I have two pole mounts for my panels. 0ne array is about 100 feet from the house and the other is about 250 feet away. I just don't trust drilling holes in my roof and not have leaks. Our snow will sit on the roof for about 5 months of the the year.

 

[stravaguy]

I know people that have mounted solar panels on their roof. I've never heard them mention anything about leaking. When I built my house I didn't put any penetrations in the roof. My vents go outside through the walls. I have two pole mounts for my panels. 0ne array is about 100 feet from the house and the other is about 250 feet away. I just don't trust drilling holes in my roof and not have leaks. Our snow will sit on the roof for about 5 months of the the year.

I get what you mean but if i may ask, what are the best, most leak proof mounting techniques you've seen or used>?