Stumped on how to get panels onto shed roof...

[JAS]

Hey all,

As the title says... I have (3) 310W panels to mount on my shed roof. The roof is metal and I'm using S-5 brackets for mounting. I made a jig for sliding the panel up to the roof. However, when I attempted to climb up, I discovered that I have no traction on the pitch of the roof . Any thoughts? Clearly the guys who built the shed were able to climb up as they attached the roof panels. Do I need special shoes/gloves that won't let me slide off? See picture attached:

 

[Crowz]

Got a front end loader tractor? That's how I did some of my stuff.

 

[Mattb4]

Steel roofing can be slick. Some of my shoes are better for working on them than others. Avoid working when the roof is wet. I would suggest getting help (Yes, it is the kind of fool thing I attempt/do myself) in putting them up there.

 

[JAS]

Got a front end loader tractor? That's how I did some of my stuff.

Not a bad idea. I do have a small 25hp Kioti. That would help give me something to prop myself against if I can get it high enough (and close enough without hitting the shed/roof )

I also talked to my neighbor who is a chimney sweep. He said he has various length "ladders" (for lack of a better term) that hooks over the peak of the roof that you can climb up.

Either way, I think I need another set of hands to help (or at least watch in case I fall off )

 

[robbob2112]

Suction cup shoes... or magnetic boots from Star Trek... just don't leave them in the vent

 

[42OhmsPA]

Your roof looks similar to the pitch of my garage roof.
I just used a rope and pulled them up, it was definitely sketchier than the house roof but not to bad.
Photo

 

[BarracudaBob]

Mount a very strong secure strut across the bottom edge. You can then use that to get footing on when you add the next one up. Through a rope over the roof and secure it to something heavy/stable for safety.

 

[SunDave]

I would vote for renting or borrowing scaffolding. If you set the bases securely, you will have a large roof height roof surface. Even if you have to go on the roof a bit, you have the scaffolding instead of the ground behind you. We set up scaffolding 3 layers high to wire panels on a ground mount array. Did it without death, which was nice.

 

[SeaGal]

I would vote for renting or borrowing scaffolding

We did this ^^^ - just a little tower would be useful.

Throw a rope over the roof and secure it to something heavy/stable for safety.

We did this too ^^^, and attached oneself with a harness for extra safety.

I do have a small 25hp Kioti.

and those compact tractors work very well as "something heavy/stable"

 

[Q-Dog]

I also used scaffolding to get the panels up on our shingled roof. I was able to do it by myself, but, if I had a metal roof I would definitely need help.

 

[Mattb4]

One thing I always hated when working on a metal roof is you have to watch not only for yourself sliding but anything that you put down or drop while working wants to slide off. Bolts, wrenches, material to be mounted.

 

[OffGridForGood]

scaffolding works well, gives you a level area to stand on and holds the tools.
A ladder as a ramp plus a rope will make sliding the PV panels up to the roof level easier.
When I do my own roof mounts, I add temporary wood blocks that line up the PV panels where I want them, and keep them from sliding on the rails.
A second set of hands always good on a roof.

and those compact tractors work very well as "something heavy/stable"

If you tie to a tractor or truck - put the keys in your pocket...just saying !

 

[Q-Dog]

If it were a bigger job you would install roof jacks.

 

[JAS]

I would vote for renting or borrowing scaffolding. If you set the bases securely, you will have a large roof height roof surface. Even if you have to go on the roof a bit, you have the scaffolding instead of the ground behind you. We set up scaffolding 3 layers high to wire panels on a ground mount array. Did it without death, which was nice.

Good idea, In fact my neighbor also has scaffolding for when he's building chimneys.

 

[SeaGal]

Good idea, In fact my neighbor also has scaffolding for when he's building chimneys.

If your neighbour has ladders, scaffolding and builds chimneys can't you offer him a voucher for a meal out or bottle of bubbly for an afternoon of his time to help get the 3 panels up?

 

[JAS]

If your neighbour has ladders, scaffolding and builds chimneys can't you offer him a voucher for a meal out or bottle of bubbly for an afternoon of his time to help get the 3 panels up?

You're right! He'd be way more comfortable climbing around the roof than me too

 

[Chispas]

Whatever you do, don't fall off! It might seem pointless to state this, but a fall from even this low height can seriously mess you up. When i did building work in the UK we used roofing ladders like this you push it up on the wheels & then turn it over.The scaffolding idea is also a good one.

 

[JAS]

we used roofing ladders like this you push it up on the wheels & then turn it over

Ah yes, that's what my neighbor has

 

[JAS]

Thinking about the scaffolding... Obviously, I can see how that would get me up "to" the roof safer than a ladder. And would allow me to work on the lower mounts easily. However, am I missing something on how that would help me with the top mounts? Thinking I still need a couple of roofing ladders like @Chispas showed.

 

[Q-Dog]

Thinking about the scaffolding... Obviously, I can see how that would get me up "to" the roof safer than a ladder. And would allow me to work on the lower mounts easily. However, am I missing something on how that would help me with the top mounts? Thinking I still need a couple of roofing ladders like @Chispas showed.

I would maybe try to lay a board against the lower mounts and stand on that to install the upper mounts, basicly using the lower mounts sort of like a roof jack.

 

[JAS]

I would maybe try to lay a board against the lower mounts and stand on that to install the upper mounts, basicly using the lower mounts sort of like a roof jack.

Unfortunately, with the s-5 brackets, the top mounts need to be installed as the panel is in place

 

[dustyPanels]

It sounds like your neighbor can safely evaluate how to work on your shed roof.
I like the idea of laying an extension ladder on the roof surface but you'd need to secure it by rope a over the top firmly tied to something on the other side.
Be careful. A friend took a fall that changed his life.

 

[SeaGal]

Unfortunately, with the s-5 brackets, the top mounts need to be installed as the panel is in place

That sounds unusual - if the panels are in place then presumably you'll need to access the top mounts from the other side of the apex

Do you already have the mounts? If not an alternative design might prove easier. From my vast experience of one rooftop installation () you fix all the mounts first, when it is easy to access them, and then hoist / slide up the panels, torque them down and connect them together as you go - the actual time on the roof with the panels in the way is minimal compared to fixing the mounts.

 

[Q-Dog]

Unfortunately, with the s-5 brackets, the top mounts need to be installed as the panel is in place

One of the considerations in picking a roof mount is how to do the install. Cheaper isn't always better.

 

[pollenface]

Your roof tin on similar to mine, i just DIY a rail system similar to what a professional install looks like.