C05_Attachment 6 Solar Panel Installation - Panel and Paint Warranty Letter.pdf
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- Solar Construction on New Building
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- 1232SA26Q0880
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This is a technical advisory letter from AEP Span regarding warranty conditions for photovoltaic (PV) array installations on their roof systems, dated May 7, 2026.
AEP Span's panel and paint limited warranties will remain valid for PV array installations provided that seam clamps (S-5® clamps or similar) are used for attachment and no dissimilar metals issues are present in the PV array assembly. The letter specifically addresses the common industry practice of using exposed real copper for grounding in PV arrays, which creates a corrosion risk when in contact with ZINCALUME coated steel through electrolysis. Even without direct contact, copper can erode the ZINCALUME coating through rain or condensation runoff, and any resulting panel deterioration will void AEP Span's limited warranty. To mitigate this risk, AEP Span recommends using metals that do not react to steel as alternatives to copper, or at minimum, using insulated copper or protective coatings over exposed copper. All electrical terminals utilizing exposed copper, including grounding wires for photovoltaic arrays, lightning protection systems, and pipe penetrations, should be sealed with shrink tape or equivalent protection methods. Additionally, AEP Span's warranties explicitly exclude coverage for seam damage, paint scratching, or other damage occurring during PV array installation.
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AEP Span • 10905 Beech Avenue, Fontana, CA 92337
Toll Free: 800.272.2466 • Fax: 909.823.2625 • www.aepspan.com
May 7, 2026
RE: Panel & Paint Limited Warranties – PV Array Installation
To whom it may concern, This letter is regarding the application of a PV array onto our roof systems. Provided seam clamps (S-5® clamps or similar) are used to attach the PV array, the AEP Span panel and paint limited warranties will not be affected provided there are no dissimilar metals issues present in the PV array assembly.
It is very common to use exposed real copper as the grounding agent for PV arrays. Real copper and ZINCALUME coated steel are dissimilar metals. A process called electrolysis will take place if those metals come into contact with each other and will begin to erode the ZINCALUME coated steel. Even if the two metals do not touch, the exposed copper can erode the ZINCALUME coated steel from rain or condensation runoff. This will void any limited warranty supplied by AEP Span if panel deterioration is deemed to be caused by any exposed copper on our roof systems.
AEP Span recommends metals that do not react to steel be used as an alternate to copper.
If the use of copper cannot be avoided, we recommend that insulated copper or a protective coating over the copper be used at the very least to prevent exposure. Any electrical terminals that will utilize exposed copper should also be sealed with shrink tape or some other method This includes but is not limited to grounding wire for photo voltaic arrays, lightning protection, and pipe penetrations.
In addition, AEP Span’s panel and paint limited warranties will not cover seam damage, paint scratching or other damage that occurs from installation of the PV array.
Sincerely, AEP Span
Jeff Haddock - Technical Services Manager jhaddock@aepspan.com mailto:jhaddock@aepspan.com
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