1607.14.4 Photovoltaic Panel Systems

1. Applicable uniform and concentrated roof loads with the photovoltaic panel system dead loads.
   Exception: Roof live loads need not be applied to the area covered by photovoltaic panels where the clear space between the panels and the roof surface is 24 inches (610 mm) or less.
2. Applicable uniform and concentrated roof loads without the photovoltaic panel system present.

The structure of a roof that supports solar photovoltaic panels or modules shall be designed to accommodate the full solar photovoltaic panels or modules and ballast dead load, including concentrated loads from support frames in combination with the loads from Section 1607.14.4.1 and other applicable loads. Where applicable, snow drift loads created by the photovoltaic panels or modules shall be included.

Structures with open grid framing and without a roof deck or sheathing supporting photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed to support the uniform and concentrated roof live loads specified in Section 1607.14.4.1, except that the uniform roof live load shall be permitted to be reduced to 12 psf (0.57 kN/m²).

Ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panel systems that are independent structures and do not have accessible/occupied space underneath are not required to accommodate a roof photovoltaic live load. Other loads and combinations in accordance with Section 1605 shall be accommodated.

Roof structures that provide support for ballasted photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed, or analyzed, in accordance with Section 1604.4; checked in accordance with Section 1604.3.6 for deflections; and checked in accordance with Section 1611 for ponding.