Georgia's solar market continues expanding as homeowners, businesses, and institutions pursue energy independence, sustainability goals, and utility cost savings. Installing solar photovoltaic systems on existing buildings requires structural engineering analysis to ensure roofs can safely support panel weight, wind loads, and the concentrated forces at attachment points.
Strut E&I provides the structural engineering analysis and PE-stamped documentation solar installers need to secure permits and ensure safe, code-compliant installations throughout Metro Atlanta. We work with solar contractors, developers, commercial property owners, and residential customers, delivering fast turnaround on roof assessments and structural certification letters.
Supporting Georgia's Solar Growth
Georgia ranks among the top states for solar energy potential, and adoption is accelerating. Commercial and industrial installations are expanding across Metro Atlanta's warehouse and office inventory. Residential solar has grown dramatically in recent years. Municipal and institutional installations are increasing as governments and school districts pursue sustainability objectives.
This growth creates demand for structural engineering services at multiple points in the solar installation process. Property owners need to know if their roofs can support solar before committing to installations. Solar contractors need PE-stamped documentation for permit applications. Building departments need verification that installations meet structural code requirements. We support all these needs with efficient, affordable structural engineering services.
Our Solar Structural Engineering Services
Roof Load Capacity Analysis
Before installing solar panels, you need to know whether your roof can handle the additional load. Our roof load capacity analysis evaluates existing roof structure against the dead load of panels and mounting systems, wind uplift forces per ASCE 7 for Atlanta's wind zone, concentrated loads at attachment points, and combined load effects including existing mechanical equipment. We analyze existing conditions using available documentation supplemented by field verification, then calculate available capacity versus proposed loading to determine whether the roof can support solar as proposed.
PE Certification Letters
Most Metro Atlanta jurisdictions require PE-stamped documentation for solar permit applications. We provide structural certification letters confirming that proposed installations meet code requirements and that existing roof structures have adequate capacity. Our letters satisfy permitting requirements for the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, DeKalb County, Cobb County, Gwinnett County, and surrounding jurisdictions. We work directly with solar installers to ensure documentation meets specific permit submission requirements.
Roof Reinforcement Design
When existing roofs lack adequate capacity for proposed solar installations, we design practical reinforcement solutions that enable installation. Reinforcement options include sistering rafters or trusses to increase member capacity, adding purlins to distribute loads, installing supplemental support columns or beams, and strengthening connections to improve load path. We select reinforcement approaches based on the specific situation, balancing structural effectiveness with installation cost and construction practicality.
Ground Mount Foundation Design
Ground-mounted solar arrays require foundation systems designed for site-specific conditions. Metro Atlanta's variable soils—from sandy conditions in some areas to expansive clays in others—require appropriate geotechnical consideration. We design ground mount foundations including driven pile systems, concrete pier foundations, ballasted systems for sites where ground penetration is undesirable, and hybrid approaches combining multiple foundation types. Our designs account for panel wind loads, soil conditions, and frost depth requirements.
Solar Carport and Canopy Structures
Solar carports and shade canopies in commercial parking areas represent a growing installation category. These structures must support panel loads while providing vehicle protection and meeting aesthetic requirements. We design carport structural systems including steel frame and connection design, foundation specifications for various soil conditions, compliance with building code requirements for occupancy and egress, and coordination with electrical and civil requirements.
Atlanta Roof Types and Considerations
| Roof Type |
Common in Atlanta |
Structural Considerations |
| Wood Truss |
Post-1980 residential, some commercial |
Generally good capacity, verify truss manufacturer approvals, check for damage |
| Stick-Framed |
Pre-1980 residential, older buildings |
Individual rafter analysis required, capacity varies widely with span and spacing |
| Steel Deck |
Commercial, industrial buildings |
Usually adequate capacity, verify deck gauge and span, check joist spacing |
| Concrete Deck |
Commercial, parking structures |
Typically good capacity, attachment methods differ, may need specialized anchors |
| Standing Seam Metal |
Commercial, some residential |
Clamp attachments available, verify panel and clip capacity |
| Flat Built-Up/Modified |
Commercial, multi-family |
Attachment through membrane requires coordination, ballasted options available |
Atlanta Solar Permitting Requirements
Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction within Metro Atlanta. The City of Atlanta, Fulton County, DeKalb County, Cobb County, and Gwinnett County each have specific submission requirements and review processes. Most jurisdictions require structural documentation including load calculations, roof framing plans or verification, and PE-stamped certification letters. We're familiar with local requirements and format our deliverables to facilitate permit approval.
Request Solar Structural Analysis
Planning a solar installation in Metro Atlanta? Contact Strut E&I for structural engineering support. We provide fast turnaround on residential roof assessments and certification letters—typically within one week. Commercial projects receive custom proposals based on building complexity and documentation requirements. Let us handle the structural engineering so you can focus on delivering clean energy to your customers.
