Finding the best solutions for installing solar panels on your TPO commercial roof can be tough. Many installers “anchor” panels and create the risk of water pooling and therefore leaking into your building—causing costly damage to your property.
Avoid the hassles of water penetration and the repairs it results in by trusting the installation of your solar panels to Christian Brothers Roofing. Our innovative commercial roofing installation process allows you to gain the advantages of solar panels without compromising the integrity of your TPO flat roof.
Take a look at these facts for more understanding:
What Is a TPO Roof?
Short for thermoplastic polyolefin, TPO is a single-ply commercial roofing membrane that delivers a cost-effective way to get a high-performance flat roof. Heat-welded seams give it optimal strength and endurance. TPO is a reliable low-slope roofing system due to its long-term flexibility as well as its resistance to heat, UV rays, and fungus.
With over 20 years on the market, TPO has become one of the most popular commercial roofing products in the industry. In fact, over 1 billion square feet of it are installed each year. That’s over 50% of all single-ply roofs currently installed!
A TPO roofing installation gives you a host of benefits including strength, attractiveness, low maintenance, durability, energy savings, “cool roof” features, and excellent long-term weather resistance. Its versatile application methods include those needed for high-performance roofs requiring high wind uplift protection and increased puncture resistance.
What Is a Floating Solar Panel?
A floating solar panel generates electricity just like anchored solar panels, yet it doesn’t create the risk for water intrusion to invade your building. When a solar panel “floats,” it rests on top of your TPO flat roofing rather than puncturing your roof membrane by anchoring the panel.
Can You Install Solar Panels on a TPO Roof?
Installing solar panels by traditionally “anchoring” them on a TPO roofing system is difficult because the TPO membrane is compromised and can therefore allow water to penetrate the roof.
The good news is that Christian Brothers Roofing overcomes this hurdle by installing floating solar panels that won’t cause leaks!
What Christian Brother Roofing Does to Make Solar Panels “Float” Instead of Being “Anchored”
With floating solar panels, there are no anchors from the solar array penetrating the TPO flat roof (unlike traditional solar panel installation). With “floating solar panels” the panels rest on plastic manufactured frames built by the solar company.
This innovative solution makes the panels sit on top of the new TPO. The Christian Brothers Roofing team adds a non-adherent layer above the TPO roof, so you get the benefits of solar panels without the risk of leaks.
Will Installing a Solar Panel on My TPO Roof Allow Water Leaks?
There are struggles when adding solar panels the traditional way with “anchors” to a flat roof without allowing water to leak. Here are some facts you should know:
- There are higher risks for water leaking due to pooling when solar panels are installed by anchoring rather than floating. Solar panels are typically fitted one of three ways, and each of these create optimal energy performance, yet may also cause leaks:
- Attached—drilled onto the roof
- Ballasted—using weights to keep the system in place—with minimal drilling
- Hybrid—using both ballast and attachments
Two pressing factors in the design of a successful solar panel system generating maximum electricity are solar panel tilt angle and solar panel orientation. It’s important to consider the best solar panel positioning to achieve the best results. Solar panels may or may not be tilted, and regardless of their orientation, if panels are anchored the risk of water leaks is possible.
Floating Solar Panels Installed Right
We understand how as a business owner, you may desire to add solar panels to your commercial roofing, but you’re concerned about the possibility of leaks due to traditional installation methods.
At Christian Brothers Roofing, we take a different approach and install floating solar panels that don’t puncture your TPO roof, ensuring leaks won’t be created, and protecting your business from damage.
As an elite commercial TPO roofing company, we provide premium service and 5-star installations that give you confidence in your roofing system. We offer a custom plan to meet your business’s specific needs, fluid communication throughout the process, timely progress, and clean worksites. We even file warranties for you.
Take a moment to find out more about our commercial roof services.
