In roof GSE trays to verge and ridge, in effect creating an entire solar roof.

[jaypee6680]

Good morning!

I'm new on here, starting a long term (self) renovation of a victorian cottage, and the (self) build of an ancillary accommodation lodge, which we're about to start. I'm a time served industrial electrician, and although I understand the principles have very little experience with PV solar. I have sufficient joinery experience.

 

I'm looking to get as much solar PV on the roof of the lodge as possible, and can within reason adjust the roof dimensions to suit solar panel dimensions. I've watched a few videos on GSE trays and understand the gutter flashing detail, but haven't seen an example where anyone has placed panels (using GSE trays) right to the verge and the ridge. I can't see why you couldn't run panels to the ridge and flash under a ridge tile, but can't quite figure out the detail for flashing a GSE tray right to the verge, so it looks like a continuous solar aray over the entire roof.

 

I'm in wind zone 4 - Southern Scottish Highlands.

 

I'm not completely adverse to having a few rows of slates at the verge on either end, but would prefer to use GSE trays and PV panels over the entire roof if this is possible (and water tight!).

 

For completeness my questions are:

- Does anyone know of the correct detailing to use GSE trays to the ridge?

- Does anyone know of the correct detailing to use GSE trays to the verge?

- Does anyone know if landscape orientation GSE trays are available that would suit 1762 x 1134 panels? I might have a better chance of achieving the roof shape I want if the panels are landscape, but can only find portrait trays for 1762 x 1134 panels.

 

Any guidance much appreciated,

 

John

 

 

[JohnMo]

I would download the installer manual and look at the wind load guidance. Then hand it over to your structural engineer. Get proper advice as you are going to get huge wind loadings

[jaypee6680]

Thanks John. I've been through the manual and studied the wind load section already, and on the face of it given the low roof ridge height it doesn't immediately look out of spec.

 

I will of course be having works reviewed by the structural engineer, but I'm doing the vast majority of the design and build myself so I'm still very interested in hearing whether this has been done using the GSE system before and how it was detailed.

Cheers,

 

John

[JohnMo]

This mine I have two slate at the top then the dry ridge. Not that obvious from the photo but there is step change in height as the tile overlaps the gse panel.

[Nickfromwales]

Most need at least 1-2 courses above, to meet the ridge. This is where wind driven rain will want to get in. 
 

I guess the deciding factor is the dimension of the flashing on the tray system of choice? 
 

Images I’ve seen where the solar is 100% the size of the roof, have been on-roof systems eg fitted over a weathertight and functioning rain screen. 

[Jonny]

Have you come across this thread at all? This describes the ridge detail. I'm also interested in this for a future build too. 

 

 

[jaypee6680]

This is all really useful, thanks! That's great to see they've been run up to the ridge, it certainly answers one of my questions.

 

Cheers,

 

John