000 – Scope & Disclaimers – MUST READ

scope & Disclaimers - must read

Welcome to our blog, where we share expert insights into the structural design of solar panel roof racking and ground mount systems, including footing design based on geotechnical reports. Before exploring our technical content, it is important to understand the assumptions, limitations, and exclusions that govern our work.

This post provides key disclaimers for our structural assessments and certifications. By engaging with our services and content, you acknowledge and accept the following:

A “system” refers to structural support framework designed to hold solar panels, including framing elements, connections, and components required to achieve structural suitability for the specified roof or ground surfaces. This definition excludes the solar panels themselves and focuses solely on the supporting framework and its integration with the mounting surface.

DD means DesignDevise Pty Ltd.

Please note that General Exclusions apply to all systems. The subsequent sections outline specific disclaimers for each system.

GENERAL EXCLUSIONS

The following items are excluded from our Services unless specified otherwise on the site-specific assessment certificate or agreed upon separately with client:

Independent Verification of Information Provided by client: We will not independently verify any information provided by client, including section properties, material capacities, thicknesses, grades, or any other product specifications from brochures or technical data sheets. All information will be assumed accurate as supplied. It is also assumed that all materials comply with local Australian material and quality standards.
Design of Solar Panels: Design, analysis, and certification of the solar panels themselves, including strength, serviceability, or performance considerations, are excluded and must be carried out by the solar panel supplier.
Installation Methodology & Lifting Plans: Any involvement in developing or reviewing the installation sequence, construction methodology, lifting plans, or handling processes is outside our Scope.
Site Visits & Coordination: Site visits, on-site coordination, phone calls, or meetings related to the site or project team discussions are generally not included within the standard fees.
Peer Review & Third-Party Feedback: Design peer reviews, attending meetings, and responding to comments or requests from third-party reviewers or stakeholders are outside the Scope of these services.
Liaison with Authorities & Permitting: Any contact with authorities, councils, building owners, boards, or handling of any development approvals, statutory declarations, permits, or other forms and applications is not part of the services provided.
Roof Waterproofing & Weatherproofing: The design, assessment, or inspection of waterproofing or weatherproofing is excluded. Any penetrations or attachments resulting from the installation of the racking system must be reviewed and addressed by others to ensure continued weather protection.
Assessment of Non-Structural Roof Elements: The assessment or design of non-structural elements such as insulation, membranes, or other architectural or cladding components is not included.
Impact on Building Services: The impact on existing building services (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electrical conduit routes) and any necessary modifications to those services is excluded.
Thermal Movements & Roof Expansion: Assessment of the effects of thermal movements, expansion, or contraction on the racking system or existing structure is excluded.
Dynamic & Vibration Analysis: No dynamic or vibration analysis is allowed for. If any dynamic effects, vibration issues, or resonance are anticipated, these will require separate analysis and are not included.
Revisions Due to Incomplete or Unclear Information: Addressing any back-and-forth communication, clarifications, or revisions resulting from incomplete or unclear information provided by client is excluded. These will be subject to additional charges if required.
Clarifications for Missing Information: Any additional clarifications or revisions due to missing project data, discrepancies, or changes to the Scope will incur extra charges, as necessary.
Temporary Works Design & Verification: Any assessment or design of temporary works, such as scaffolding, lifting supports, or safety barriers required during construction, is excluded.
Design of Support Structures for Ancillary Components: The design of any additional structures or supports for components ancillary to the solar panels, such as electrical equipment or cable trays, is not included unless specified in the Scope.
Design Outside Structural Engineering: Any design or assessment not directly related to structural engineering is excluded, including but not limited to electrical design, civil design, hydrology assessments, mechanical services, plumbing, or any other trades or engineering disciplines.
Fee Adjustments & Revisions: Fees are subject to review and adjustment by DD in response to evolving market conditions or changes in project Scope. Additionally, revisions to the document may be made from time to time to reflect updated requirements or agreements. Any such changes will be communicated and agreed upon with client to ensure transparency and alignment with project needs.
Use of Latest Design Codes and Software:DD will utilize the latest applicable design codes and standards for all projects, including but not limited to AS1170.2:2021 Amendment 2024, which now classifies Wind Region B2 as Cyclonic, along with other updated requirements. To aid in our design process, DD will also use industry-recognized software tools, such as CheckWind, to ensure accurate and efficient design outcomes. Client must acknowledge and accept the use of these codes and tools as part of the design process.

A – FLUSH MOUNT ROOF SYSTEM

Scope of Services:

(a) Racking Design: Structural design of the solar panel racking system, including all framing elements, connections, and components necessary for the flush mount configuration. This service does not include the assessment of the supporting roof structure (e.g., rafters, trusses, purlins, or roof sheeting), which will need to be checked by others.

(b) Building Assessment: This service includes a review and assessment of the existing roof structure’s capacity to support the loads imposed by the flush racking system. This involves structural analysis and verification of the roof components to ensure their adequacy under the proposed loading conditions.

(c) Pallet Placement Assessment: An evaluation of the roof structure and building to determine suitable locations for the placement of pallets during construction. This includes specifying safe zones for temporary loading and ensuring that these loads are adequately supported without compromising the roof’s structural integrity.

(d) New Zealand PS1 Structural Forms: We can provide the PS1 structural design form for projects in New Zealand.

(e) Racking Inspection through Photos: This service includes a review of installed Racking Design only through photos for projects designed by DD. We provide inspection certificates based on the review of these images, without on-site inspections.

(f) Statutory Structural Design Forms (e.g., Form 15): We offer statutory structural design forms, such as Form 15 (QLD), for projects designed by DD.

(g) Manual Calculations: We provide manual/hand calculations for the design of both the racking system and building structure (e.g., purlins, rafters), either combined or separately. These calculations are not based on 3D computer models but are delivered in the form of a short report confirming the structural adequacy of the system.

Each of the above services can be provided individually or in combination, depending on the specific requirements of a project.

Exclusions:

In addition to the General Exclusions that also apply to this system, the following specific exclusions are also made unless instructed by client:

Assessment of Existing Structure (As-is Condition): No load rating or structural design assessment of the existing roof structure before the installation of the solar panels is included. It is assumed that the structure, in its current state, is adequately constructed and compliant with relevant Australian Standards, including allowances for minimum maintenance and installation loads.
Scope Limitation to Main Roof Structures: Our assessment will be limited to the main roof structures only, excluding any attached canopies, awnings, or similar extensions, unless otherwise explicitly stated.
Building Assessment Scope (When Racking Design is Performed by Others): DD can provide Building Assessment services even when the racking design is performed by a third party. The fee for such services will be determined on a project-by-project basis, depending on the complexity of the structure and unrelated to the kilowatt capacity of the system.
Selection of Importance Level and Design Life: The Importance Level (IL) of solar panels must be confirmed by client for each job based on their specific requirements and the intended use of the building. In the absence of this information, DD will assume an Importance Level of 2 and Design Life of 25-years for the design of solar panels in accordance with AS1170.0, even if the building itself is classified as IL3. This assumption will be used unless otherwise confirmed by client.
Verification of Building Structure for Racking-only Scope: When DD is engaged for racking design only, the building’s structural adequacy, including the roof framing, purlins, rafters, and sheeting, is not assessed as part of our Scope. Therefore, our certificates will include a disclaimer stating that it is the responsibility of the building’s structural engineer to verify that these elements are sufficient to support the solar panel reactions specified in our certificate.

If building structure verification is required, this must be included under the Racking + Building Assessment Scope, where we will review the adequacy of the roof framing and building structure.

For roof sheeting off-purlin solutions, even when DD is responsible for structural assessment, our checks are limited. We evaluate the roof sheeting based on equivalent uniformly distributed wind loads (UDL) and compare them with manufacturer data, as no specific design code exists to assess roof sheeting for point loads from solar panel racking. The relevant standard, AS 1562.1:2018, provides guidance for testing, which is typically used by manufacturers, but does not offer a method for designing roof sheets under concentrated loads. Client must acknowledge and accept any associated risks prior assigning this Scope to DD.

B – TILT MOUNT ROOF SYSTEM

Scope of Services:

(a) Racking Design: Structural design of the solar panel racking system, including all framing elements, connections, and components necessary for the tilt mount configuration. This service does not include the assessment of the supporting roof structure (e.g., rafters, trusses, purlins, or roof sheeting), which will need to be checked by others.

(b) Building Assessment: This service includes a review and assessment of the existing roof structure’s capacity to support the loads imposed by the tilt racking system. This involves structural analysis and verification of the roof components to ensure their adequacy under the proposed loading conditions.

(d) New Zealand PS1 Structural Forms: We can provide the PS1 structural design form for projects in New Zealand.

(f) Statutory Structural Design Forms (e.g., Form 15): We offer statutory structural design forms, such as Form 15 (QLD), for projects designed by DD.

Each of the above services can be provided individually or in combination, depending on the specific requirements of a project.

Exclusions:

In addition to the General Exclusions that also apply to this system, the following specific exclusions are also made unless instructed by client:

Assessment of Existing Structure (As-is Condition): No load rating or structural design assessment of the existing roof structure before the installation of the solar panels is included. It is assumed that the structure, in its current state, is adequately constructed and compliant with relevant Australian Standards, including allowances for minimum maintenance and installation loads.
Scope Limitation to Main Roof Structures: Our assessment will be limited to the main roof structures only, excluding any attached canopies, awnings, or similar extensions, unless otherwise explicitly stated.
Building Assessment Scope (When Racking Design is Performed by Others): DD can provide Building Assessment services even when the racking design is performed by a third party. The fee for such services will be determined on a project-by-project basis, depending on the complexity of the structure and unrelated to the kilowatt capacity of the system.
Selection of Importance Level and Design Life: The Importance Level (IL) of solar panels must be confirmed by client for each job based on their specific requirements and the intended use of the building. In the absence of this information, DD will assume an Importance Level of 2 and Design Life of 25-years for the design of solar panels in accordance with AS1170.0, even if the building itself is classified as IL3. This assumption will be used unless otherwise confirmed by client.
Verification of Building Structure for Racking-only Scope: When DD is engaged for racking design only, the building’s structural adequacy, including the roof framing, purlins, rafters, and sheeting, is not assessed as part of our Scope. Therefore, our certificates will include a disclaimer stating that it is the responsibility of the building’s structural engineer to verify that these elements are sufficient to support the solar panel reactions specified in our certificate.

If building structure verification is required, this must be included under the Racking + Building Assessment Scope, where we will review the adequacy of the roof framing and building structure.

For roof sheeting off-purlin solutions, even when DD is responsible for structural assessment, our checks are limited. We evaluate the roof sheeting based on equivalent uniformly distributed wind loads (UDL) and compare them with manufacturer data, as no specific design code exists to assess roof sheeting for point loads from solar panel racking. The relevant standard, AS 1562.1:2018, provides guidance for testing, which is typically used by manufacturers, but does not offer a method for designing roof sheets under concentrated loads. Client must acknowledge and accept any associated risks prior assigning this Scope to DD.
Application of AS1170.2:2021 Amendment 2024 for Tilt Mount Systems: As of 21 June 2024, the AS1170.2:2021 Amendment 2024 introduces a new section, Clause B.6.3, regarding the design of tilt panels on large-scale, low-rise buildings. This method is applicable for buildings with heights between 5m ≤ h < 25m and roof pitches not exceeding 5°, among other limitations. Where this method applies, DD will use it for the design of tilt mount systems. In cases where the method does not apply, DD will use the SEAOC PV2-2017, Wind Design for Solar Arrays, published by the Structural Engineers Association of California. It is a requirement that client acknowledges and accepts this approach for tilt systems.

C – TRACKER/FIXED GROUND MOUNT SYSTEMS

Scope of Services:

(a) Structural Design with DD Structural Certificate Only: This service includes the structural design with DD’s structural certificate, but without submission of detailed calculations or a design report. No statutory forms (e.g., Form 15) will be provided. The pile embedment design will be based solely on the geotechnical report or pile testing reports provided by client, without consultation with the geotechnical engineer. No consultation with other trades (e.g., solar panel manufacturers) is included. The Scope includes checking of connections, purlins, deflections, serviceability and ultimate limit state (SLS and ULS) criteria, girders, braces/struts, and piles. Corrosion analysis (section loss checking) is not included.

(b) Structural Design with Basic Calculations and Design Report: This option includes the structural design from (a) above along with basic calculations and a design report, with the same exclusions as option (a). While connection calculations will be performed, they will not be submitted.

(c) Structural Design with Full Calculations and Detailed Design Report: This service provides a complete structural design, including detailed calculations and a design report. The report will also include corrosion analysis (section loss) if required and connection calculations, but no consultation with the geotechnical engineer (same exclusion as in (a)).

(d) NZ PS1 Structural Design Certification Only: For ground mount projects in New Zealand, we can provide a designer’s producer statement (PS1) for structural design only through our NZ partner. This service includes the structural PS1 only, with no sign-off on our design reports and no consultation with geotechnical engineers.

(e) NZ PS1 Structural Design Certificate + Sign-Off on DD Report: This service provides the structural PS1 along with a review and sign-off on our design calculations and reports by our NZ partner. No geotechnical consultation is included.

(f) NZ PS1 Geotechnical Design Certificate Only: This service provides a PS1 geotechnical design certificate through our NZ geotechnical partner. The geotechnical partner’s recommendations may influence the structural design, but they will not sign off on DD report. The geotechnical PS1 will be provided separately.

(g) NZ PS1 Geotechnical Design Certificate + Sign-Off on Structural Report: This option includes both a PS1 geotechnical design certificate and a sign-off on DD structural report, incorporating the geotechnical engineer’s recommendations.

(h) Australian Geotechnical Consultation: This service includes consultation with an Australian registered geotechnical engineer to interpret the provided geotechnical report and/or pile test report. This is particularly useful for interpreting complex soil conditions (e.g., expansive soils). The geotechnical engineer will sign off on the final detailed structural report.

(i) Australian Statutory Design Only Forms: This service provides statutory forms (e.g., Form 15) for projects that have already been designed by DD. No additional design or assessment work is included.

(j) Australian Statutory Inspection Forms (Through Site Photos): This service includes the provision of statutory inspection certificates based on site photos for projects that have been designed by DD and installed. On-site inspections will not be conducted; the inspection is limited to photo review.

Exclusions:

In addition to the General Exclusions that also apply to this system, the following specific exclusions are also made unless instructed by client:

Pile Design Exclusions: The design of piles requires both a structural and geotechnical design. Where DD is awarded the structural Scope only, without consultation with a geotechnical engineer, DD will perform the structural design of the piles and determine the pile embedment depth based solely on the geotechnical or pile testing data provided by client. For complex soil conditions (e.g., liquefaction-prone or reactive soils), it is the responsibility of client to ensure that appropriate geotechnical recommendations are provided. If such recommendations are not included in the geotechnical or pile testing data, client must communicate this to their client and ensure that a qualified geotechnical engineer confirms our pile design for the correct embedment depth. DD takes no responsibility for geotechnical aspects of the pile design.
Connection Design Limitations: Some connections may be difficult or overly conservative to design using conventional methods. In such cases, while DD will attempt to perform the necessary calculations, it may be necessary to refer to or rely on client’s connection test reports (e.g., purlin-to-girder clamps, solar panel modular clamps to purlins, girder-to-column connections). DD will not independently verify or check the accuracy of these test reports.
Cold-Formed Steel Design: DD will use ColdSteel, CUFSM, and other relevant software tools to comply with AS4600-2018 for cold-formed steel design. This will include buckling checks, especially for the unbraced length of purlins between columns, with a focus on uplift loads where the bottom flange is prone to buckling. For projects where client requests to exclude checks for bottom flange buckling under uplift, DD will include a disclaimer that client is responsible for the uplift design of the purlins. DD will take no responsibility for such exclusions, and they will be clearly noted in our design documents.
Pile Embedment Design Exclusions: If client requests to exclude the pile embedment design from DD’s Scope, DD will exclude it and take no responsibility for its accuracy. However, DD will still provide serviceability limit state (SLS) and ultimate limit state (ULS) forces for use by others in their pile embedment designs.

FINAL NOTE
These disclaimers ensure transparency about the scope and limitations of our structural services. If additional assessments, verification of specific conditions, or modifications to standard assumptions are required, they must be discussed before proceeding.

By engaging with our services or using our blog content, you acknowledge and accept the terms outlined above.