Using solar energy to power your home or business is a smart decision. As you save money on your electricity bills, you protect the environment. If you have a flat roof, it should not prevent you from enjoying these benefits. You can gain as much value from solar on the flat roof by using the available surface.
According to consumer reports, flat roofs can make some of the best space for solar panel installation. Let’s look at all the information you need to know when installing solar panels on a flat roof.
How Do Solar Panels Work on a Flat Roof?
You mostly find flat roofs on commercial buildings. However, residential areas also use this option. The solar panels installed are the same as the traditional PVs, but there are various considerations to make. Such include:
- The solar panel system’s ability to clean itself when it rains: The collection of water around the solar panels can damage the system. It can also affect your roof.
- It should also be sturdy enough to avoid damage from strong winds. Strong winds present a potential risk to your solar energy system.
- You should also consider the system’s pitch, ensuring it captures enough light. The more sunlight it captures, the more energy you generate.
- You may require experts for this roof type. Not all installers are skilled to offer flat roof solar installation.
Advantages of Flat Roof Solar Panel Installation
There various considerations when installing solar panels on a flat roof. But there are many benefits of installing panels on the flat roof. These are:
1. Easy to Access
It is easy to access a flat roof, and it reduces the chances of a fall. For this reason, it is easy to install the solar panels as the movement for installers is easier. The maintenance is also easy as you do not need special equipment to access the roof.
2. Doesn't Affect a House's Aesthetic Appeal
When you purchase a home, there may be guidelines from the homeowner’s association about its appearance. Also, you may have a specific design that you want to maintain. Often, the panels are rarely seen from the street when installed on a flat foot. As a result, your neighbors will not complain about your solar panels being an eyesore.
3. Tilting Your System for Maximum Sunlight
When an installer is designing a solar system for installation, they take the roof’s angle into account. Ideally, roof panels should face south at an angle equal to the latitude of the location. Also, some sloped rooftops tend to be steeper, producing less electricity as a result. Such factors can lead to a reduction in power generation over the years.
If you have a flat roof, you can avoid such variables as they offer flexibility. When installing the panels, you are free to orient them to face south. Additionally, you can angle the system regardless of the direction your roof faces. As a result, you can maximize your energy production.
4. Protect Your Roof
Often, a sloped roof requires drilling when installing the solar panels to keep them securely in place. These penetration mounts leave holes in your roof. The more panels you install, the more holes you will drill. Flat roofs require weighted structures to secure the solar panels eliminating the need for perforations on the rooftop. A ballast system utilizes gravity weighing down the solar panels.
Challenges of a Flat Roof Solar Installation
As much as there are advantages to installing solar panels on your flat roof, there are some challenges too. However, you can solve them to get the best solar energy system.
First, the installation company may recommend that you use special equipment to maximize energy production. Tilted mounts are some of the structures you may need to do so. The mounts tilt your solar panels, exposing them to more sunlight. As a result, the total cost to install the solar panels can be slightly higher than the slanted roofs.
You can use the ballast system to mount the panels. The roof can fail to handle the weight of the ballast. Additionally, if you add the drilling method, it may lead to roof leakage. The good thing is that technology has advanced enough to prevent such an issue from recurring.
Take Away
Installing solar panels on your flat roof is not impossible. Yes, there are challenges that you and the installer may face, but you can overcome them. First, you should ensure the solar panels can properly drain when it rains. Second, yous should firmly secure the PV modules to protect the system from strong winds.
Lastly, the panels should have a good pitch where they can capture enough sunlight. As they capture more light, they can generate more electricity to meet your needs. Remember, always use a qualified installer.
Dynamic Slr is your go-to solar installation company in Texas. Do you want to install solar panels on your flat-roof, ground, pole, or carport on residential or commercial premises? Fill in the free solar quote and start the journey to an environmental-friendly energy source.
