b"Integrating Photovoltaics Onto Building Envelope Smfaces Continued from page 15 been actively engaged in testing solar arrays and roof systems. B is aReferences IPVnew concept. Most people in the solar industryrof FM. It's hard1 have neve heardSiliconPV module cost only:SolarBuzz www.solarbuzz.com on to imagine FMt becoming involved once solar becomes more common10/23/2008 noand once conventionalroof manufacturers deploy new solar roof systems2Information used to determine realsystem output. DC-to-AC and millions of dollars of solar arrays on FM-insured roofs.3SiliconPV module cost only: SolarBuzz www.solarbuzz.comon Some solar and roof manufacturers are assuming that ifthin-film mod 08/25/2007. a ule is laminated to an FM-approved roof assembly,w lift dynamics4 theind-up Information used to determine real DC-to-AC system output. of the roof system are not going to change, but to the author'sno5Ibid. knowledge, FMTakenfromIAEI(ElectricalIn magazine),March/April 2005, one has completed any testing.fire ratings are another issue; FM and UL6 spectors approach fire testing differently, and untillved and creates FM becomes invo www.iaei.org/subscriber/magazine/05_5b/wiles.htm. He still sends out standards, one must take aapproach.all literature upon request. wait-and-see Rack-mountedballasted solar arrays are either engineered or windand tunnel tested.Most currentrack-mountedarraysystemshavenotbeenMichaelGumm,president of CorporateRoof Consultants, hasbeen oractively involved in the roofing industry for the past 25 years in manufactested. Module-mounted arrays can act as giant sailsaircraft wings on the roof. Design has to cover not only the mounting system, but the stresses theturing,contracting, and consulting. Michael is amemsales,Professional array system will transfer onto the roof structure, and this is said to be diffi ber of RC/ and NRCA.Heis thefounder and president of SolarPower cult to engineer in high-wind areas without testing.Restoration Systems Inc.SolarS Technologies Inc. Both companies andeal Just recently, awas created to start formulating a new code boardnationalare engaged in developing new building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) code and standards for solar applications.Unfortunately, n many in the otapplication technologies. Mr.Gumm is apioneer and inventor with BIPV roofing industry are involved. The new board is called the Solar Americaseven patents pending. He is aofSolar E Industry Assomemberthenergy BoardforCodesandStandards(SolarABCS),andtheWebsiteisciation (SE/A), The Renewableand Energy Efficiency Partnership Energy www.solarabcs.org. Anyone who is interested in solar applications should(REEEP), The American Council on Renewable Energyand (A CORE),ASTM, join Solar ABCS and become an active stakeholder so that the roofing indus and he is active in developing codes andfor solar roof. standardssystemsndusThis article is afrom the Decemberissue of, try can have input on the new codes a standards that will affect all ofin reprint2008Interface official the near future.Journal ofInc. RC!, Other standards are in development, many in areas we as consultants are not used to working with. Fire codes (both localnational) are starting to and be developed that will determine the roof array size, the size and number of walkwaysbetweenthemodules,theaccessclearancearoundtheroof perimeter and interior walls, and the amount of array clearance around skylights andother rooftop equipment so that firefighters canvent aif fire needed.D t switches, cablearray equipment labeling, cable isconnec and placement, grounding requirements,lightningstandards are andprotection being developed. Other agencies are starting to work on permits and system approvals. With aPV power string having up to 600 volts,ty typicalDC safeis very important. As an industry,is an area inwe need to become fully engaged. solarwhich Lookingback over the years, we canallremember some of the mistakes made when new roofing technologies were introduced and notstudproperly ied or tested. Solar power and roofing are going to play an important role in creating anational energy policy and energy resource. We need to get new solar power and roofing right the first time."