Does this calculator account for battery degradation over time?

Yes, it models standardized degradation curves (typically 1.5% to 2.2% annually for LiFePO4 cells) and accounts for battery pack augmentation cycles across a 20-to-25 year lifecycle.

What federal tax credits apply under the Inflation Reduction Act?

Under Section 48 and Section 45Y, qualifying clean energy and battery storage installations unlock a 30% base ITC, plus potential 10% domestic content and 10% energy community bonus adders.

Commercial Solar Structural & Ballast

Commercial Flat Roof Solar Ballast Weight & Wind Uplift Calculator

Calculate commercial flat roof solar ballast block weight (psf), ASCE 7-16/22 aerodynamic wind uplift, Corner/Edge/Field building zones, and roof structural dead load limits.

Wind & Roof Inputs

Building Mean Roof Height (ft)

Basic Design Wind Speed (mph - ASCE 7)

Solar PV Racking Tilt Angle

Roof Parapet Wall Height (inches) Parapets >24" reduce edge vortex turbulence

Total Solar Module Count

Structural Roof Reserve Capacity (psf) Structural engineer allowable dead load

Average Ballast Load

-- psf

Within Roof Limit

Total Ballast Blocks

-- Blocks

Standard 4x8x16 (33 lb solid concrete)

Total Added Dead Load

-- Tons

Ballast + Module Racking

Building Aerodynamic Wind Zones Takeoff

Zone 1 (Roof Interior Field)

-- psf

~70% of array modules

Zone 2 (Roof Perimeter Edges)

-- psf

~20% of array modules

Zone 3 (Vortex Corners)

-- psf

~10% of array modules (High Uplift)

ASCE 7 Structural Ballasted Solar Engineering Note:

Ballasted commercial rooftop solar systems avoid roof membrane penetrations by utilizing solid concrete cap blocks inside steel/aluminum racking trays. Corner zones experience severe suction vortices. If corner zone requirements exceed the structural deck allowable dead load (typically 5 to 7 psf reserve capacity on open-web steel joists), mechanical anchor attachments must be combined with ballast.