Solar Panel Prep/Integration
Structural support for rooftop solar
Structural Solar Preparation
Solar panels add dead loads from equipment weight, live loads during installation, and dynamic loads from wind and snow accumulation. Before any panels go up, your roof structure must be evaluated for these additional forces. Many Chicago buildings—especially older construction—require structural reinforcement before they can safely support a rooftop solar array. Planning this work now prevents costly surprises when you are ready to install.
Solar-ready preparation includes verifying roof framing capacity, adding structural reinforcement where needed, and pre-installing mounting points at optimal locations. We coordinate conduit routing from the array location to your electrical panel, keeping runs hidden in walls or chases rather than surface-mounted across your deck or living space. For buildings with both solar and roof deck plans, we integrate both systems so panels and deck areas coexist without compromising either.
Building codes require specific setbacks from roof edges and ridges for fire safety access, grounding of all metal components, and proper electrical integration with your existing service. We work with solar installers or coordinate the entire project ourselves—from structural engineering and permit applications through final inspection. The result is a solar-ready building that passes code review the first time.
Your Project
Team
Kevin Wojtas
“Kevin is a skilled Production Coordinator with extensive experience in the architecture and planning industry. He demonstrates competency across AutoCAD, landscaping, InDesign, public speaking, and sustainable design. He also serves as a media and communications specialist and holds a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.”
Rafal Leonczuk
“Rafal manages project timelines and coordinates between design and construction teams to ensure smooth project execution. His attention to detail and organizational skills help keep projects on track from start to finish.”
David Petlicki
“David is a Chicago native who earned both his BS and MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He brings over 10 years of structural engineering experience across a wide variety of residential, educational, commercial, medical, industrial, and military projects, including both adaptive reuse and new construction. He demonstrates a strong commitment to client collaboration and takes satisfaction in developing optimal structural solutions for his projects.”