Roof mounting is the most commonly applied solar panel installation system. It applies to both residential and industrial installations. In this setup, the solar panels are mounted on the installation site’s roof at a certain angle to avail maximum solar energy. However, not all the sites offer all the conditions necessary for your modules to work correctly. So you need to analyze your options carefully and make sure that the landscape is not interrupting and you are getting the best out of your module.
It is in your good interest if the roof is facing south. In this way, the panel can attain maximum sunlight, and the energy production will be way more than the other directions. Rest assured, if your system is facing east or west, it will still help you reduce your bills, but the best way is to place it facing south.
SOLAR ROOF MOUNTING
Installers prefer a roof pitched between 15 to 40 degrees. Although it is preferable, it is not necessary. You can also install a module on a flat roof as long as it faces the sun at the right elevation and ideal angle. The installation is comparatively easy on a sizeable square-shaped top. For each kilowatt of the panel in the solar industry, you need at least 100 square feet of space on your roof. Generally, a home system requires about 500 square feet for the installation of solar panels.
Solar installation space can be affected by skylights, chimneys, and dormers but don’t worry. The solar installers usually do their homework and layout a unique design around all the hurdles and obstructions in such a way that does not affect the efficiency of your system and maximize your production rate.
Solar panels are generally compatible with every roof, but they carry a weight of their own. Make sure that roof is strong enough to bear the load of the system. If your roof is aged and needs repairs, then do it before installing the panels. By doing so, you eliminate the possibility of the extra cost that comes with repair after installation of the system.
Ballast mounting solutions:
It offers all the advantages of solar installation without affecting the structural integrity of your roof. While installing a setup, professionals most likely consider penetrating the roof. Although they make sure that it’s sealed properly, it compromises the top’s structural strength and makes it less likely to uphold the solar panels’ weight. To overcome this scenario, solar companies introduced Ballast mounting system. In this system, solar panels are mounted angularly to the roof using ballasted structures as support. The ballasted supports do not impact the ceiling while keeping it intact. It also makes them more stable against strong winds.
Tile roof mounting solutions:
Tile roofing mounting is another system used on houses with tiled roofs. It’s different from conventional roof mounting as the engineers remove a few tiles to brace the railing hooks against the removed tiles and plant the aluminum railings on them. These railings act as the baseplate for oncoming solar panels to hold them together. This technique is considerably expensive than the rest as the cost eventually elevates due to fences, and also, a few tiles may break during the installation. It is in your good interest to hire a professional license-carrying solar panel installer to ensure that your solar setup is in safe and experienced hands.
Tin roof mounting solutions:
Metal roofs are ideal for solar mounting because they last for up to 70 years. Installation on a metal roof is booth easier and less costly compared to the other two. The installation approach can be different given the nature of the metal and its shape. A standing seam roof can be done by clamping on the seam; however, a corrugated and trapezoidal structure requires direct attachment to the ceiling. It’s easier and more convenient than other roof mountings because tin roofs or metal roofs are coated with paint reflecting the incoming sun rays. It helps the system maintain the indoor temperatures without affecting the efficiency of the panel. Metal roofs made from the recycled material are more resilient to strong winds and are eco-friendly.
Flat roof mounting solutions:
Flat roof mounting is the most commonly seen solar mounting. This kind of mount is not visible on the street level and offers even more space to install solar panels. In this type of mouting, the panels are generally placed in an array-like frame-to-frame arrangement on the roof and are tilted upwards at the angle of 20 to 50 degrees. In this way, the panels can reach their maximum capacity of capturing more sunlight. This angle also helps in resistance against strong winds, rain, and dust. In this way, the panels reach their maximum efficiency and work for a more extended period.