Start with the roof, not the panel rows
Long-span roofs are not blank sheets. Structural bays, membrane zones, drainage, movement joints and service routes all shape where solar can safely go. A module layout drawn before those constraints are understood usually gets redrawn later. See the open-air stadium roof case for a practical example.
Attachment choice changes more than the mount
The fixing method affects waterproofing, structural loads, installation speed and future roof work. What looks like a small hardware decision can change the construction plan for the whole venue.
Draw the maintenance route at the same time
Every solar zone should have a realistic route for inspection and repair. That route needs to coexist with the roof’s original maintenance needs. See the access-lane guide for the safety side of the same problem.
Keep a record of why areas were left empty
Future teams should be able to see why certain zones were excluded. A short decision record prevents a later redesign from filling space that was deliberately kept clear.
Build one clear roof map that combines structure, waterproofing, drainage and access before the solar layout is finalized.
