In recent years, photovoltaic (PV) panels (AKA solar panels) have rapidly grown in popularity, and for good reason. By generating clean, renewable energy directly from the sun, solar panels help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cutting both carbon emissions and environmental impact. For property owners, whether industrial or residential, PV panels offer a unique opportunity to combine sustainability with financial savings, while also protecting against rising utility prices.
Beyond these practical benefits, PV installations can also enhance a building’s value and reputation. Businesses showcase their commitment to sustainability, while homeowners enjoy the peace of mind that comes with lower running costs and a greener lifestyle.
However, before installing a PV system, it’s essential to consider the additional loads these panels place on your building’s structure, and how this can affect your property in the long-term. In this post, we’ll explore the key factors to understand about PV panel loading on industrial buildings, and how proper engineering ensures your investment is safe, efficient, and built to last.
Types of Buildings Which Require Structural Surveys Before Installing PV Panels
While PV panels can be installed on a wide variety of properties, not every building is immediately ready to support the additional loads. In certain cases, a structural survey is essential to confirm the roof can safely carry the additional weight and wind uplift forces introduced by the panels, without the need for strengthening.
Some examples include:
Older or Heritage Buildings
Many historic properties were not originally designed with modern loading requirements in mind, and hence may not comply with modern safety standards once fitted with solar panels. Also, structural components like timber roof rafters and purlins may have weakened over time and likely require strengthening before PV panels can be safely installed.
Steel Portal Frame Buildings
Structures with large open spans (such as warehouses, supermarkets, hangars, and agricultural buildings) are typically engineered to be as material-efficient as possible, and are hence already operating at the limit of their structural capacity. As a result, even relatively light additional loads, such as solar panels, can exceed cause them to their designed structural capacity and compromise safety.
Lightweight Roof Structures
Buildings with lightweight roofing systems (e.g., thin metal sheets, timber trusses, or prefabricated frames) are often more sensitive to additional loads and need detailed assessment.
Flat Roofs with Large Spans
Industrial or commercial buildings with wide roof spans may be vulnerable to deflection or overstress when PV panels are added without proper consideration.
Extensions or Modified Structures
Where parts of a building have been altered, extended, or repaired, the capacity of the roof may differ across sections, making a survey essential.
How We Can Help
At Harban Redwood, our structural engineers can carry out a detailed survey of your building, assessing its key structural elements and the local environmental factors, such as wind or snow loads, which may affect your roof’s capacity. Using this information, we evaluate whether your building can safely support the proposed PV panel installation.
If we find that additional capacity is required, we will advise you on the best way forward. This may include:
- Recommending an alternative panel layout to distribute loads more effectively
- Recommending lightweight PV products that place less demand on your structure
- Advising on strengthening measures to ensure your roof can safely carry the panels
Get in Touch
If you’re considering PV panels but are unsure whether your building can support them, our engineers are here to help. We’ll provide clear, practical advice and guide you through the steps needed to ensure your installation is safe, efficient, and long-lasting. To arrange a survey, contact us at info@harbanredwood.com
