Winston Shopping Center is a retail property in Southern Oregon with an existing TPO membrane roof. The solar installation spans two roof sections with different structural configurations. Roof Section A is supported by open-web steel joists running east–west at 32 inches on center and required 4x10 sleepers running north–south to adequately distribute the PV loads. Roof Section B is supported by I-joists running north–south at 32 inches on center, where a staggered SWIF stanchion configuration effectively distributed the PV loads without requiring structural modifications.
 
SWIF coordinated closely with the solar installer, roofing contractor/racking installer, and structural engineer to develop an integrated project solution. The racking installer’s roofing expertise improved the system design by identifying an opportunity to replace the existing bulky roof vents with modern, low-profile alternatives. Combined with SWIF Rack’s elevated design, these upgrades increased the usable roof area and maximized PV capacity.
 
Although replacing the vents was straightforward for an experienced roofing contractor, it is not a service typically provided by a solar installer. By understanding and leveraging the practical capabilities of roofing professionals, SWIF identifies opportunities to improve constructability, maximize rooftop solar capacity, and increase long-term project value.

Read more about our staggered configuration here.