Solar energy is becoming the obvious choice for energy generation in many businesses and homes worldwide. Solar panels are a secure investment, environment-friendly, require low maintenance, and can be cost-effective in the long run. If you want to get a flat roof and install a solar system on it, you can speak to a company that specializes in flat roofing. Wegner Roofing & Solar offers cost effective flat roofing to residents and business owners in Billings, MT. While most home and business owners are sure about installing solar systems on their sloping roofs, many doubt if the same is possible on flat roofs. Here are three important things to know about solar panel installations on flat roofs:
Solar Panel Installation on Flat Roofs is Possible
There are two common types of solar panels – ground-mounted or rooftop. Most people think solar systems will not work on flat roofs. But this is not true. Solar panels can be fixed on properties with flat roofs too. Solar panels for flat roofs offer more flexibility than on sloped roofs, meaning you can get maximum output from such solar systems. Flat roof solar systems also have many design specifications like ground-mounted and sloped roof panels. Some solar companies work with standardized designs and limited equipment to minimize costs. That is why they will tell clients that it is impossible to install solar systems on flat roofs, especially if flat-roofed buildings are not very common in your area.
Solar Panel Installation Costs on Flat Roofs are Comparable to Sloped Rooftop Installations.
Solar panel installation and labor will usually comprise about 10% of the total project costs. Usually, the team has to climb onto the steep side of the roof to fix the mounts and panels. However, the installation process on flat roofs is simpler. Workers can freely move about on your roof. They will not need any special equipment. Many of the materials used in the installation process can handle wear and tear.
Additionally, the workers will not have to drill holes in the roof to fix these panels. Usually, technicians use a penetration mount to install solar panels on sloped roofs. These mounts require drilling holes to fix the stand that holds the solar panel to your rooftops. On the other hand, solar systems for flat roofs will implement a heavy mounting system called a ballast system. It utilizes gravity to stay on the roof and eliminates the need for drilling holes.
You Can Install the Solar Panel at the Correct Angle to Increase Electricity Production
Technicians who design PV (Photovoltaic) systems for sloped roofs must include the roof orientation and angle into their designs. Solar panel systems typically face south. They are placed at the same angle as the latitude of their location. Your solar panel will not produce enough electricity on a daily basis if it is installed on the northern side of the roof or if your roof faces east or west. If your roof is steeper than the others, it will also reduce electricity production. This is not the case with flat roofs. They offer flexibility to solar panel designs. You can install the solar panel systems to ensure they are facing south. You can mount them at an appropriate angle, irrespective of the direction of your house. This flexible design ensures that your solar panels produce maximum electricity.
The solar panels may need specialized equipment to maximize electricity production in some cases. The technician may have to use angled mounts to tilt your solar panels up to increase their exposure to the sun. Instead of drilling holes, the technician may use a solar ballast system to mount the panels. The ballast system will utilize gravity to keep the panels in place. Concrete blocks will help weigh down the panels. Sometimes, you may require a hybrid system that uses both the traditional drilled mounts and ballasts, depending on your roof, to install these solar panels and maximize electricity production.
Finding a Company To Help with Flat Roofs for Solar Panels
If your locality has many homes with flat roofs, you will find many solar companies ready to install panels on flat roofs. But the flat roof design should also support solar panel installation. You should work with an experienced company like Wegner Roofing & Solar that knows how solar panels work and will also help you design flat roofs that make it easy to install solar panels.
