@ccbaxter said:
…We have an ‘information night’ coming up but that is being run by the Solar Company and is unlikely to answer questions I think need to be answered, such as the ones above and whether our 40 year old roof which has just been checked and tiles and ridge caps replaced etc. can hold a number of solar panels…
The weight of the panels will be trivial by comparison to the tiles on the same area. A typical PV panel weighs around 15-17kg with its weight spread over much more area than the area that will support a 70kg person standing.
In order to get building approval the mounting arrangements would have to meet Australian Standards. In the ACT at least there are several levels of post installation inspection to determine that the standards are met, both structural and electrical. Most likely the section of roof with the panels installed will end up more structurally sound, rather than less, having been reinforced by the rail system to which the panels attach. I have heard of examples from cyclone areas where the only bit of roof not blown off was the bit with the panels attached.