Hi there,
We have a project that has placed PV panels above some of the vegetated roof area. The PV panels are set at an angle, and so the vegetation underneath receives sunlight and is therefore is aiding in deterring the heat island effect.
The Guidebook states that the area of solar energy panels should be deducted from the total roof surface area. However, in this case, we'd like to include these areas as vegetated roof since it will work in our favor.
Does anyone know if GBCI will allow you to include vegetated roof area in the total roof surface area if there are PVs above the vegetation?
Thanks,
Meghan
David Posada
Integrated Design & LEED SpecialistSERA Architects
LEEDuser Expert
1976 thumbs up
June 26, 2019 - 4:49 pm
True, the Reference Guide says to deduct mechanical equipment, solar panels and appurtenances, but Interpretation #10235 mentioned in the FAQs to the left says such areas "can be exempted" which we could interpret as giving you the option to exclude or not.
Since vegetation below a PV panel can still reduce heat island effect, still create habitat, still provide stormwater benefits, and can have a synergistic role with the PVs, which improve their efficiency if temps are lower, it seems consistent with the credit intent to include the area of vegetated roof below PV panels.
I don't recall a specific ruling on this question - you could search the Addenda & Interpretations database, or contact a LEED coach if you need more official confirmation.