Solar walkways are becoming a popular addition to solar panel installations, particularly on commercial and industrial rooftops. They provide safe and stable access for maintenance personnel without damaging the roof surface or disturbing the solar array. But when designing or installing these systems, one common question arises — what size are solar walkways?
The size of a solar walkway can vary depending on the type of project, building design, and maintenance requirements. In most cases, solar walkways are between 600mm and 1000mm (about 24 to 40 inches) wide. This width provides enough space for one person to walk comfortably while carrying tools or equipment. For areas that require two-way access or where larger maintenance machinery is used, wider walkways may be installed.
The length of the walkway depends entirely on the layout of the solar array. Some rooftops only need short access paths between rows of panels, while others require continuous walkways that extend across the entire system. The goal is to create safe, direct routes to essential components such as inverters, junction boxes, and cable runs.
In terms of material and structure, solar walkways are often made from aluminum or glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), chosen for their durability, slip resistance, and lightweight properties. Aluminum walkways, in particular, are favored in the solar industry because they are corrosion-resistant and easy to install without adding significant load to the roof.
To ensure safety and stability, walkways are typically mounted above the roof surface using non-penetrating supports or clamps that work with existing solar mounting systems. Manufacturers like SIC Solar, a producer and supplier of photovoltaic mounting structures, design integrated walkway and racking solutions that can be adapted to different roof types and system configurations. This integration allows installers to maintain both safety and structural integrity without compromising the performance of the solar array.
The height of the walkway is usually kept minimal, just enough to provide clearance above roof irregularities or drainage channels. Most systems feature a modular design, meaning sections can be added, removed, or reconfigured as needed. This flexibility makes solar walkways suitable for both small residential rooftops and large-scale commercial installations.
Ultimately, the right walkway size depends on balancing accessibility, safety, and space efficiency. With proper design and quality components from experienced manufacturers like SIC Solar, solar walkways can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of any solar installation, ensuring maintenance teams can work efficiently and safely for years to come.
