Solar installation on a flat roof is one of the most common methods of integrating a solar system into any house. Solar panels have been well studied to determine how they can be installed on the roof without compromising the house’s structural integrity.

Solar installation on a flat roof is not complicated and can easily be installed on domestic properties. This article focuses on everything you need to know about solar panel mounting on rooftops. We have carefully selected the top questions most property owners ask and created comprehensive answers to help you understand solar panel installation.

Shall I tilt the solar panels or not on a flat roof?

The simple answer is yes; you should tilt your solar panels when installing. Solar panels are rarely laid out flat on a rooftop. This is because tilting the solar panels helps them produce maximum energy.

When the solar panel is laid out flat on a flat roof, i.e., when it is parallel to the roof, it can only produce energy when sunlight is directly incident to it. This only happens around 11 AM to 2 PM, depending on the location of the house. As a result, the solar panel does not perform at its highest level, and the energy output is extremely low.

In contrast, if the solar panel is tilted on a flat roof, then the sunlight can be incident for a longer period. This allows the solar panel to produce maximum energy and work significantly more hours. This higher energy conversion allows your property to be more solar energy reliant.

Since the aim of solar installation on a flat roof is to produce maximum energy, the angle of the solar panel should be very specific. The solar panel angle depends entirely on the location of the property. For example, in the southern hemisphere, in countries like Indonesia, the solar panel angle is usually 60 degrees. In contrast, in the northern hemisphere, in cities like Marseille, the solar panel angle is usually between 50 and 55 degrees.

Therefore, the angle of the solar panel should be adjusted depending on the location. Solar panel angles are usually common for all panels in one city. Therefore, if your neighbor’s solar panel angle is 50, then yours will be the same.

How to find out my roof is suitable for solar panels?

Every rooftop is not suitable for solar panel installation. Before you purchase a solar system and call an expert to install the panel, you should have your roof inspected. Roof inspections can determine the suitability of the roof for installation. Some of the factors that are assessed include the following:

Roof type and slope to determine if installation is possible.

Property and roof age to determine structural integrity.

Roof space to determine if the space for required installation is available.

Roof shade and orientation to determine whether the installation will be beneficial for the homeowner.

Environment and weather conditions to assess any damage that might need mitigation.

Using these five factors, the expert will determine if your roof is suitable for installation or not.

Solar panel installation is not a simple task. While most manufacturers provide solar panel raking as well as all other electrical and installation requirements, you still need an expert to ensure the solar panel installation is seamless.