Pv Module Clearances From Roof Edge

In some cases access pathways for roof faces with pv may be on roof faces adjacent to the roof face with pv modules.

Pv module clearances from roof edge.

This official sponsor may provide discounts for members. The international fire code 605 11 3 2 4 that states panels modules installed shall be located no higher than 3 ft below the ridge to allow for fire department ventilation operations significantly decreases the attractiveness of residential solar pv because it applies to both sides of a peaked roof. Roof slopes less than two units vertical in 12 units horizontal 2 12 panels modules shall be located in a manner that provides a minimum 3 foot wide clear access pathway 3 clear width measured from the load bearing wall to the pv panel around the perimeter edges of the roof. 60mm gap 120mm from roof edge 70mm gap 140 mm from roof edge etc.

Where panels cover more than 33 of the roof a 36 in wide path is required on both sides of the ridge. For roofs where pv panels cover up to 33 of the total area in plan view essentially as seen from above the panels must be at least 18 in. Panels modules installed on residential buildings with hip roof layouts shall be located in a manner that provides a 3 foot wide 914 mm clear access pathway from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where panels modules are located. Roofs under windows now require 36 inch wide access pathway.

Mcs say 600mm building regs is grey one report that it is 300mm another company that thinks its 400mm. So if you have a 50mm high gap between panel and roof 100mm minimum distance panel from the roof edge. Away from a horizontal ridge on both sides to create the 36 in wide path. 1 panels shall be located in a manner that provides one three foot wide clear access pathway from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where panels are located.

Current 2016 ca residential fire code roof clearance requirements pathways to ridge street access 2016 ca intervening code cycle supplement. Panels with a minimum distance between the panel and roof edge of 2s where s is the gap between the underside of the panel and the roof surface. 5 fpb requirement no.