How much does a solar energy system weigh?
Solar panels and the associated piping or wiring add very little weight to a roofing structure. A solar thermal panel will add only about 4 to 5 pounds per square foot to a roof structure while a solar electric (photovoltaic) panel adds even less. Storage tanks for a solar hot water system can add significant weight to a roof and if the roof structure cannot support the additional load a variety of storage options are available including ground floor locations, enclosed outbuildings or buried storage tanks.