Affidavit –   See post-install letter.

Ballasted Rooftop Solar Array –  When the solar array is weighed down by CMU blocks or equivalent weights to hold the array to the roof versus anchoring to the roof structure.

Built-Up Truss –   A framework, typically consisting of rafters, posts, and struts supporting a roof. The framework is connected to each other using nails or screws.

Cast-in-Place Concrete Drilled Pier –   A cylindrical hole is bored into the ground prior to placing a rebar cage and/or casing tube into the hole and then pouring in the concrete.

Dimension Lumber –  Wood that is cut to pre-defined (standard) sizes, i.e. 2×4 (1-1/2″x3-1/2″).

Ground Mount Solar Array –  A ground mount is when the panels are secured to a rack structure that is connected to the ground with steel beams or another type of metal post.

Ground Screw –   See helical pier.

Helical Pier –   A circular or square steel shaft with round helix plates (screw) at the base. These can be used in place of a cast-in-place concrete drilled pier.

Hybrid Rooftop Solar Array –   This system works by using solar PV power during the day and if there is excess power this will charge your batteries for later use at night.

Knee Wall –   This is a vertical or diagonal framing member that shortens the span of the roof framing. Knee walls will attach to the ceiling joists and typically are above a load bearing wall.

Light Gauge Steel C-Purlin –   C-Purlins are secondary steel framing members used for roof and wall supports, also known as cee purlin. Thin steel sections, called cold formed sections, meaning that the sections are formed, or given shape at room temperature.

Light Gauge Steel Z-Purlin –   Z-Purlins are secondary steel framing members used for roof and wall supports, also known as zee purlin. Thin steel sections, called cold formed sections, meaning that the sections are formed, or given shape at room temperature.

Loads –   A weight that is added to your structure, i.e. snow loads, live loads (temporary loads, i.e. people, furniture, etc.), and dead loads (permanent loads, i.e. roof framing, shingles, etc.).

Load Bearing Wall –   A wall that is an active structural element of a building, the wall bears the weight of the elements located above. This weight is carried to the foundation.

Manufactured Truss –   A framework designed by a truss manufacturer to hold the specific loads in the location of your structure.

Open-Web Steel Joist –   A lightweight steel truss, typically consisting of rafters, posts, and struts, supporting a roof, bridge, or other structure.

OSB –   Oriented strand board is a type of engineered wood similar to particle board.

Plywood –   A material manufactured from thin layers or “plies” of wood veneer that are glued together.

Post-Install Letter –   This is a letter required by the jurisdiction after the solar panels are installed to verify they were installed per the original analysis letter.

Rafter –  One of several internal beams extending from the eaves to the peak of a roof and constituting its framework.

Rail-less Rooftop Solar Array –   Rooftop arrays that are installed with a lower profile and have no rails or flashing along the edges. This provides a more sleek design with less weight added to the roof.

Roofing –  Material for constructing a building’s roof e.g. tile, shingles, metal, etc.

Sheathing –   The board or panel material (OSB or plywood) used in floor, wall and roof assemblies.

Soil Anchor –   Soil (ground) anchors are driven anchors which are used to support ground mount solar arrays.

Span –   The distance between two intermediate supports for a structure, e.g. a beam or a bridge.

Steel I-Beam –   A beam or column designed in the shape of an “I” or “H”. They can be used to support many types of structural elements and can also be called “w-beams”.

Tilt-up Rooftop Solar Array –   Rooftop solar arrays that are greater than 6 inches from the roof surface and are tilted at an angle with one edge of the panel being further away from the roof surface.

Truss –  A framework, typically consisting of rafters, posts, and struts, supporting a roof, bridge, or other structure.

Wood I-Joist –  An engineering wood joist that can carry heavier loads and dimension lumber. I-joists can be used for the construction of floors or roofs.