HNB Easton Flat Roof

In order to maximize profitability of bifacial systems, Opsun recommends installing panels on white roofs with increased tilt angles and interrow distance. For this project, we chose a 20 degrees configuration with a 72" pitch, leading to a wide coverage of the roof with fewer panels.

This type of system will have a lower density of power (fewer panels per square feet), but in return it will offer a high production (kWh yield) per panel installed (increased tilt angle sheds snow better, exposed back, no wind deflector, no rails obstruction, and 15" clearance from the roof all play to increase each panels production to a maximum).

Despite being a fairly tall building, Opsun was able to do a hybrid ballasted/anchored system on some sections on the lower roofs. Opsun's proprietary design tools allow to quickly create a hybrid ballast and anchor map that uses as few roof penetrations as possible. Typically, we will need one anchor per 2 to 8 panels.

For the taller roofs that were highly exposed to wind uplift, our client chose to fully anchor the racking to the roof using OMG Powergrip Plus that are guaranteed not to leak. Anchors are easy to install over any existing roof, and when they are installed by roofers, they will be safe and roof warranty will be maintained. The advantages of fully anchored bifacial PV racking are : better fit of the system to the roof, lower load applied to the roof structure, less shading from ballast blocs, and better durability over time (ballast blocks can degrade over time).