Structural Engineer PV Calculations and Design: Case Study
Structural Engineer PV Calculations and Design for a network of schools
Works: PV calculations by a structural engineer for retro-installation of solar panels.
Property: 12 schools across in southern England.
Instructed by: PV panel company.
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Project considerations
A key consideration when conducting works in schools is getting appropriate access.
- To minimise any disruption to teaching we arranged to carry out the inspection during lunch hours and outside of term time.
- we therefore arranged for the school caretakers or other senior members or staff to take us round the buildings and make sure we could access the roof spaces.
- We also obtained appropriate clearance and permissions for the photos taken, making sure that pupils and sensitive information were not photographed.
Works
- Roofs were assessed inside and out for structural integrity, deformations and distortions. Suspended ceiling tiles were removed as applicable.
- Roofs were inspected for over-boarding of an additional layer of insulation or other structural material; comments and advice reported as necessary.
- Snow loads calculated to BS6399
- We carried out measurements and calculations of roof timbers to check that the solar panels fitted within the acceptable loading tolerance for the roofs.
- In most cases the solar panels did not cover the entire area; consequently, corrected cumulative load was calculated.
- The photovoltaic panel calculations were submitted for appraisal to the senior council engineer.
- Our structural engineers were available for any clarifications that were required; however, by working closely with our client and ensuring that the brief was clear and fully understood, these were rarely needed.
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