The reason for this clearance is that it allows air flow under the solar panels for cooling them.
Solar distance from edge of roof.
Roof mounting clearance solar panels you want to mount on a roof must have at least 3 inches but 4 to 6 inches is better distance between the roof and solar panels frame.
Employers are to ensure that each employee is protected from falling by using fall protection systems such as non penetrating guardrails safety net system fall restraint or fall arrest systems.
Unprotected sides and edges.
Between 6 feet and 15 feet from the roof edge.
Source i do a lot of inspections for solar.
60mm gap 120mm from roof edge 70mm gap 140 mm from roof edge etc.
Is there a safe distance from the edge of a roof for construction workers doing work while on a roof but not engaged in roofing residential pre cast erection or leading edge work.
Where either axis of the building is 250 feet 76 200 mm or less there shall be a minimum 4 foot wide 1290 mm clear perimeter around the edges of the roof.
Each employee on a.
6 feet from the edge.
In order to reduce the wind load the array should be a sufficient distance from the edge of the roof rule of thumb.
For general industry working at a 4 foot height or a low sloped roof osha requires.
There shall be a minimum 6 foot wide 1829 mm clear perimeter around the edges of the roof.
Between 6 feet and 15 feet from the edge.
The minimum distance from the chimney is 60cm.
Conventional fall protection guardrail fall restraint or fall arrest system is required.
So if you have a 50mm high gap between panel and roof 100mm minimum distance panel from the roof edge.
Hope this helps steve.
Answer background in 29 cfr part 1926 subpart m fall protection 1926 501 b 1 states.
The fire code which is partially enforced by building code is dictating these days that yes you need 36 inches from edge to panel to allow walking space for firemen.
Panels with a minimum distance between the panel and roof edge of 2s where s is the gap between the underside of the panel and the roof surface.
Five times the distance between the modules and the roof surface.