Meet our featured client in Rahway

A grid-connected system should not be placed into normal parallel operation until the utility has issued the required authorisation. Running it beforehand can breach the interconnection agreement and the utility's requirements.

Not necessarily. Structural limits, plumbing vents, mechanical equipment and code-required access or setback areas all reduce the usable area. A design complies with the roof-access provisions rather than filling every available square foot.

Shade can materially reduce production, particularly when it falls during the highest-production hours. Module-level electronics such as microinverters and optimizers reduce the effect of partial shading, but they cannot create sunlight where there is none. Significant shade should be modelled before any annual production figure is quoted.

A localised problem on a roof that is otherwise sound can justify a repair — isolated damage, most shingles still in good order, flashing failure in one place, a relatively young roof. Replacement makes more sense when failures are widespread, several leaks have appeared, the decking has deteriorated, the shingles are near the end of their service life, or matching replacement shingles has become difficult.

Drip edge is metal installed along roof edges to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutter or away from the structure. Properly installed drip edge helps protect roof edges and is an important component of a complete roofing system.