Solar Panel Roof Setback Massachusetts

A solar system that is installed on a south facing 27 degree pitch roof massachusetts will generate 1 150kwh of peak dc direct current capacity per year per 1kw in the boston area.

Solar panel roof setback massachusetts.

For photovoltaic arrays occupying more than 66 percent of the plan view total roof area not less than a 36 inch 914 mm clear setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge. Evaluation of the roof framing to support the proposed solar pv system. Many roofs are going to have slopes between 30 and 40 degrees which means that solar panels can lie flush against the roof and produce enough electricity for attractive returns. Helping massachusetts municipalities create a cleaner energy future.

Enter your details into the solar panel calculator to see how your location roof tilt and roof direction impacts solar panel production. Setback refers to the distance that solar panels need to be from the side and top edges of a roof. Many people have the misconception that solar pv systems do not work in massachusetts due to new england s diverse weather conditions. Solar roof is comparable in price to a typical roof with solar panels.

The problem is the new setback guidelines make ideal solar roof space unavailable sometimes as much as half or more of the roof area. Ma also requires rapid shutdown per nec 2014 2017. The international fire code 605 11 3 2 4 that states panels modules installed shall be located no higher than 3 ft below the ridge to allow for fire department ventilation operations significantly decreases the attractiveness of residential solar pv because it applies to both sides of a peaked roof. Safety for solar pv in massachusetts 1 emma krause rooftop solar challenge coordinator doer matt piantedosi the cadmus group.

If you are trying to install solar panels on a steep roof it may not be possible to place panels at the optimal tilt with traditional racking systems. This section describes the different types of solar energy and how they are used in massachusetts. Solar roof is comparable in price to a typical roof with solar panels. Posted in solar tips.

Due to the shading of the panels on your lower roof by the panels on the upper roof make sure they use either microinverters or dc optimizers not a string inverter. Setbacks are for firefighter roof access to the ridge line.