Leaving exposed mounting rails between panels?

[akadmyster]

Hello guys ... hopefully an easy question.

My plumbing/vent roof protrusions .. although not many ... are placed where I have to place panels
in between them. Is it kosher to run the mounting rails continuous and place the panels two feet apart (two feet of railing would be exposed).... or would this be considered a trip hazard? It seems grounding would be easier that way also.

Thanks.

[J.P.M.]

Hello guys ... hopefully an easy question.

My plumbing/vent roof protrusions .. although not many ... are placed where I have to place panels
in between them. Is it kosher to run the mounting rails continuous and place the panels two feet apart (two feet of railing would be exposed).... or would this be considered a trip hazard? It seems grounding would be easier that way also.

Thanks.

Might be a trip hazard, and therefore something to perhaps be avoided, but I'm not sure code addresses that issue, nor would it perhaps be considered a trip hazard if the rails are not on what would be considered a normal, common or reasonably expected foot traffic area. One other thing to consider is max. rail span. You might be better off in terms of flexibility in support spacing without spanning unpaneled distances, for the additional considerations with respect to grounding.

FWIW, I've not seen what you are describing, but my knowledge is very incomplete in that regard.

As far as a 2 ft. clear span, I believe S.D. Co. code only requires 6" clear all around to roof vents, but consideration to shading by vents is probably something to consider also, particularly with string inverter systems.

[akadmyster]

Might be a trip hazard, and therefore something to perhaps be avoided, but I'm not sure code addresses that issue, nor would it perhaps be considered a trip hazard if the rails are not on what would be considered a normal, common or reasonably expected foot traffic area. One other thing to consider is max. rail span. You might be better off in terms of flexibility in support spacing without spanning unpaneled distances, for the additional considerations with respect to grounding.

FWIW, I've not seen what you are describing, but my knowledge is very incomplete in that regard.

As far as a 2 ft. clear span, I believe S.D. Co. code only requires 6" clear all around to roof vents, but consideration to shading by vents is probably something to consider also, particularly with string inverter systems.

It's only one 2' section in the middle of the roof. I will mount the attachments to where if the inspector wants it cut out ... I'll just cut it out. Thanks for the input.

[J.P.M.]

It's only one 2' section in the middle of the roof. I will mount the attachments to where if the inspector wants it cut out ... I'll just cut it out. Thanks for the input.

You're welcome. I'd only add to not take what I say as gospel. I'd suggest checking with the AHJ. None of us is as smart as all of us. Or, in this case, and all when the AHJ is involved, the AHJ.

[solarix]

I've never heard a building dept objecting to having exposed rail like that, however - it is mainly an ugly issue as far as I'm concerned. Even cutting the rail out still leaves an ugly patchwork effect. If at all possible, I'd make the extra effort to move the vent somewhere else on the roof.