Different Types of Solar Roof Attachments

In a typical residential solar system, the solar panels are sitting on rails, and held in place by clamps. Each rail is connected to the roof’s rafters with attachments spaced 4 to 8 feet apart (the spacing depends on average wind speed, tilt of the roof, and rail strength).

These are the most common attachment techniques available today for each type of roof:

Shingle roof: this is the most common roof type, and two attachment methods are used:

Flashing: A ‘flashing’ element is tucked under the shingles, with an elevated water seal to protect water from seeping through the lag screw penetration.

Pressure Seal: The attachment is placed over the shingles, and secured with a lag screw. Sealant is injected inside the attachment, so that it is completely waterproofed.

These are the most common attachment techniques available today for each type of roof:

Shingle roof: this is the most common roof type, and two attachment methods are used:

Flashing: A ‘flashing’ element is tucked under the shingles, with an elevated water seal to protect water from seeping through the lag screw penetration.

Flat roof: for low-profile systems where the roof can take additional weight, ballasted systems are the safest and cheapest install. A few attachments to the roof deck, mostly at the corners of the array, may be required to be added by the permitting authorities, especially in high wind and seismic areas. (Ex: Unirac Ballast)

For higher profile systems the tilt is created with vertical ‘tilt legs’, or posts of different heights. The vertical posts are attached to the roof deck with lag screws and sealant, and the rails are mounted on them, holding the solar panels at the desired angle. (Ex: IronRidge Tilt Mount)