Ground Mounts

With increased airflow around then, modules can operate at lower temperature and will yield higher performance. Being able to choose azimuth and perfect tilt angle will also increase performance.        

Torch down roofing consists of levels of modified bitumen, similar to asphalt, and may have granular surface or it may be smooth. Torch down is designed for low slope or flat roofs. The part of the material that makes contact with the sheathing underneath is melted with a torch in order to seal material. This provides a secure hold and creates a waterproof seal that prevents leaks.

The featured installation is in Borrego Springs. On the bottom of flashing we applied a utility cement, a modified asphalt adhesive designed for use with bitumen flashings. When cured it forms a durable, elastomeric and watertight film. Then we applied primer to the metal flashing to allow the torch down roofing to adhere to it more easily. Then we installed a two layer-torch down with a smooth torch down layer and a torch down layer with granular surface.  

In this featured installation we used the QBase Technology from Quick Mount PV. The QBase has a super-strong cast aluminum foundation with 4 mounting holes and standoff posts from 3.75 to 12 inches.

The primary flashing at the roof deck forms a waterproof shield isolating all hardware from water intrusion. In a retrofit installation where the standoff and primary flashing do not fall in a position that is close to the overlap of felt paper, an approach that sometimes is called "bibbing" can be used. A separate piece of felt is positioned under overlapping felt, which then extends down to bib around the penetration and over the primary flashing.

Caulk is used to seal all nail holes and between standoff and flashings. The top flashing is malleable and the installer can conform the secondary flashing to fit virtually any tile roof.

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