Chris, You've probably already considered and rejected this... Unisolar PVL modules on standing seam roofing. Solves the structure & wind problems. Goes fast if installed on the pans before they go on the roof. Price is pretty good per watt now. Can't beat the look. Made in USA. I think the only downside is you may not have enough area to place 5kW.
I bet it's getting cold in Montana. You could stick the modules on the pans in a heated space somewhere. This would really cut down your time and exposure on the roof. Dick Ratico Solarwind Electric --- You wrote: Dear Wrenches have a composite (shingle) roof at hand, and the owner wants to upgrade it to a metal roof and install a 5kw+ array on it. The rafters are those (sort of) particle board I-beams covered with 1/2" plywood (and shingles). What's the best metal roofing you could suggest--and would you beef up the wood to lag into? Thanks for all your input. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax --- end of quote --- _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org