Many homeowners with flat roofs don’t even consider installing solar panels on their flat roofs because they believe their roof does not receive enough direct sunlight to justify the expense.
What if, on the other hand, we told you that installing solar panels on a flat roof is completely feasible?
Solar energy should be available to all homes, businesses, and communities to meet their energy needs. While solar panels on flat roofs are more commonly seen on commercial structures, homeowners with residential properties can also have them installed.
Dismissing Misconceptions About Flat Roof Solar Panels
Many homeowners with flat roofs don’t even consider installing solar panels on their flat roofs because they believe their roof does not receive enough direct sunlight to justify the expense.
What if, on the other hand, we told you that installing solar panels on a flat roof is completely feasible?
Solar energy should be available to all homes, businesses, and communities to meet their energy needs. While solar panels on flat roofs are more commonly seen on commercial structures, homeowners with residential properties can also have them installed.
Many people with flat roofs choose not to install solar panels because they have been misinformed and believe the panels cannot be installed due to inadequate direct sunlight on the roof. This, however, couldn’t be further from the truth, and this blog will guide you through the process of putting solar panels on a flat roof, which is not only conceivable but also completely practicable.
Before you begin planning, read our guide to learning everything you need to know about installing solar panels on a flat roof.
How do Solar Panel Systems Operate on a Flat Roof?
Solar panels built for usage on flat roofs are most commonly seen on commercial buildings, which have flat roofs. However, because of their versatility, they can also be installed on residential properties.
The newly constructed solar array employs the same type of solar panels as a normal system, but there are certain changes to be considered.
When it rains, the array must be able to clean itself, as well as survive severe gusts without being damaged. The installation should also consider the angle at which the system is positioned to capture the most amount of solar energy possible.
Thin film solar cells have the potential to be quite useful in this situation.
They feature a high degree of adaptability and can even be converted into self-contained panels. These move with the sun throughout the day, ensuring that they receive the most sunlight possible by remaining in direct sunlight at all times.
You would be able to generate more power throughout the day with an automatic system as opposed to a fixed one, even though the efficiency of automatic systems is lower than that of crystalline solar panels.
What are the Benefits of Installing Solar Panels on Flat Roofs?
There are several particular problems to consider when putting a solar array on a flat roof; however, there are also a considerable number of benefits that come with this sort of installation that you should consider:
- Flat roofs are easy to install and maintain because they provide easy access and a big working space; nevertheless, the appearance of this type of system from the road is extremely rare. As a result, there is a lower chance that the neighbours will complain about it being an eyesore.
- You can choose from a variety of solar panels which will give you a more environmentally friendly and sustainable form of energy (and therefore reduced carbon footprint).
These seem great positives that apply to solar panel use in general, but there are some additional specific advantages to placing solar panels on flat rooftops, such as:
- Because the area is flat and easier to access than a typical pitched roof, installation and maintenance are simplified and less expensive.
- Once installed, the panels are less apparent at street level, so they won’t impact your home’s appeal or cause issues with your neighbours.
- Flat roofs provide more space for installing the panels
- When compared to a pitched roof, there are more design and layout alternatives for effective panel location.
Solar panels are a terrific addition that can increase the value of your property if you are looking to move on in the near future. If not, you can start to reap the benefits of using a renewable source of energy and fully utilising your flat roof.
Do You Need Planning Permission to Install Solar Panels on a Flat Roof?
In truth, solar panels for flat roofs UK can be a little more problematic when it comes to required planning permissions. Ordinarily, solar panels on a pitched roof are considered ‘permitted development’ and therefore planning permission is not usually required, but with flat roofs things are different.
Because solar panels for flat roofs need to be placed in frames to create the right angle towards the sun, this means they have to protrude more than 0.2 metres above the roof slope, which puts them outside the permitted development guidelines.
Planning approval for flat roof solar panel installation will also usually be required in circumstances if they are being sites on a listed building or in a Conservation Area. Before beginning any type of flat roof solar systems work, it is strongly advised that you contact the Local Planning Authority in your area. This will help you to confirm that you are following all of the necessary procedures correctly.
Creating a Flat Roof Solar System Panel Array
Whereas solar panels on a pitched roof are able to just follow the orientation and pitch of the roof, solar panels can be added to a flat roof at a specific pitch suited to the setting for improved efficiencies. This is fantastic if you have a sizeable roofscape to work with, but it might be difficult if you are working with a smaller or irregularly shaped flat roof.
Solar Panels on Flat Roofs: Special Considerations
Most solar panels are intended to be self-cleaning and for this reason, the solar panel array must be pitched in order that any dust, dirt or debris is able to run off during rainfall, as well as enabling the solar panels to capture the most UV radiation from the sun.
The design must also guarantee that panels are not overly shaded by nearby aspects such as trees, chimneys, higher structures, or air con units, which are commonly found on the roofs of commercial buildings.
Other factors to consider when putting solar panels on a flat roof that do not apply to pitched roofs include optimal pitch, wind considerations, and the right orientation.
What Angle Must Solar Panels Be Set at on Flat Roofs?
Solar panels installed on flat rooftops should normally have an inclination toward the upward direction to guarantee that they receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. Because rain washes away dirt and debris from the surface, it also helps to keep each of the panels clean, which keeps the efficiency levels as high as possible.
To make the self-cleaning feature work correctly, the panels must be mounted at an angle of at least 10 degrees.
Most installers will choose an A-frame as the mounting technique of choice when mounting panels at an angle ranging from 20 to 50 degrees. A qualified and experienced installer will be able to determine the best pitch for placing something on your roof.
How to Reduce the Risk of Damage from Strong Winds
Unsecured or improperly installed solar panels can be at risk due to strong winds. To limit the risk of severe winds, it is critical that your solar panels are fitted by the right method.
There are two major methods for attaching solar panels to flat rooftops to ensure their safety under extreme weather conditions:
1) The first alternative is to include the solar panel frame into the roof structure below the roof line, implying that fittings will pass through the exterior roof membrane layer.
Although this technology results in a secure solar panel system, it can be costly due to the need for specific fittings and the risk of compromising the roof’s waterproofness. Penetrating the surface of the may also void the manufacturer’s guarantee on your roof.
As a result, this solution is usually employed on new build roofs, where the solar panel fittings may be included in the initial roof construction and will cause the least disruption to the roof installation.
2) The second approach, and possibly the most commonly used, is to install solar panels on an existing flat roof using weighted frames.
Concrete slabs or stone chippings are used to tie the panels to the roof, while rubber feet on the frames distribute the weight evenly throughout the roof’s surface.
This alternative is simpler because it does not interfere with the roof’s integrity. However, if your panels have a steeper pitch, the amount of ballast required to anchor the panels may become overly heavy for your roof structure.
In either case, it is important that you talk with both your roofing specialist and solar panel installer to make sure your roof design and solar panel layout are compatible and will provide you with efficient solar panels.
