Depending on where you live different laws exist as to how close solar panels are allowed to be from a roof edge.
Pv clearance from edge of roof.
To show compliance with the zoning height setback requirements location of equipment etc.
The roof upon which these systems are installed shall be designed and constructed to support the loads imposed by such systems in accordance with chapter 8.
The first requirement is that when pv circuits are run below roof surfaces outside of the array perimeter they shall be no less than 10 inches from the roof decking.
See ibc 2006 section 1013 5 mechanical equipment.
There are two reasons.
For each roof plane with a photovoltaic array a minimum 36 inch wide 914 mm pathway from the lowest roof edge to ridge shall be provided on the same roof plane as the photovoltaic array on an adjacent roof plane or straddling the same and adjacent roof planes.
R324 4 1 r324 4 1 1 roof live load.
In article ibc 1509 7 2 it says that rooftop mounted pv systems must not diminish the fire classification of the roof system in order to meet the ibc code here one must ensure the system and equipment used have a ul fire tested class rating that either matches or exceeds that of the existing roofing material.
Clearly note number of panels and roof pitch i e.
The pv system is looked at essentially like cladding and thus the wind load table for cladding is what is used to determine the load the panel system must resist depending on factors such as exposure windspeed roof area roof slope and where the panels are located on the roof such as near an edge or in the center.
Pathways shall be over areas capable of supporting fire fighters accessing the roof.
This means that if you have a horizontal pipe run that is not directly below the pv array the pipe must be at least 10 inches below the roof decking.
Of course those in cyclone areas have the strictest laws and are not allowed to be any closer than 1 metre from the edge or apex of a roof.
This drawing can also show.
Mcs say 600mm building regs is grey one report that it is 300mm another company that thinks its 400mm.
Solar pv system design do s and don ts.
Anybody know the minimum clearance required between pv module edge of roof.
Roof structures that provide support for photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed for applicable roof live load.
