Experimental study on systematic anti-seepage methods for photovoltaic panel pedestals on lightweight steel roof panels

Abstract Against the backdrop of growing demands for energy security and the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, rooftop distributed photovoltaic (PV) power generation has developed rapidly as a critical approach to constructing a new power system. However, as rooftop distributed PV power plants enter the operational phase, construction-induced issues have gradually come to light, among which the adverse impact on roof waterproofing is particularly prominent. Traditional construction methods often fail to meet the required standards for waterproof performance and durability when applied to roofs with PV installations. To address these challenges, this study proposes a dedicated waterproofing construction method for lightweight steel roofs equipped with PV systems. Comparative tests were carried out to evaluate the waterproof performance of the proposed method versus the traditional method under conditions of roof deformation. The results demonstrate that, in comparison with the traditional method, the proposed method significantly enhances the waterproof performance of integrated lightweight steel roofs and provides effective protection for the building structure.