2021 saw accelerated growth in alternative energy with a solar system installed every 60 seconds. Whether we will see the same rate of growth going forward remains to be seen but you can be fairly confident that more people will adopt solar energy.
Solar panels are a cheap source of energy. They don’t require large modifications to get up and running and they can be fitted almost anywhere as long as they are in direct sunlight.
The most popular place to install solar panels is on rooftops. This is primarily because it is cheaper and it takes advantage of unused space that would otherwise go to waste. Almost any roof including flat roofs can have solar panels installed on it.
Also, check out our post “Can You Install Solar Roof Panels Yourself? All You Need To Know!“
On a side note! If you’re in need of a reliable and high-performance portable solar panel, We strongly recommend the Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel (Amazon Link).
With a high conversion efficiency and foldable design, this solar panel is easy to transport and set up, making it perfect for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and RV trips.
The US solar cell technology used in this panel ensures that you get the most efficient and reliable solar charging possible.
There is also a 60W option that is more affordable (Amazon Link)
In this article, we look at the requirements for mounting solar panels on a flat roof. Is there any special planning permission you need to obtain? Can you put a Tesla solar roof on a flat roof? We also compare the different types of roofs to see which is the best for solar.
Can Solar Panels Be Mounted Flat? Factors To Consider
Solar panels can be mounted flat but this will decrease the output of energy. Solar panels work best when they are positioned perpendicular to the sun. Mounting them flat will reduce the amount of sunlight they receive and negatively impact their performance. Flat mounted solar panels also get dirtier quicker and you can void the manufacturer warranty.
In short, you can mount solar panels flat against a flat roof or even against a wall. While you can do it, you should not if you want to get the best performance out of your solar panels. (Source)
There are three factors you need to consider if you want to optimize the performance of your solar panels. These are the location, orientation, and angle of the solar panels. Let’s look at each of these and see how they affect performance.
Location
The location is where on the roof or ground you site the solar panels. To get the best out of them they have to be sited in direct sunlight. That means you want your solar panels where they will not fall into the shade as a result of obstructions like tree branches or shadows from a chimney or adjacent buildings.
The shade will drastically reduce the power output of your solar panels and it is the first thing you should be on the lookout for.
Also, check out our post on ” How High Can You Mount Solar Panels? Brief Placement Guide!“
Orientation
Orientation is the direction the solar panels will face. If they are turned in the wrong direction they will produce less or even no energy. Solar panels in the northern hemisphere should face south. As the U.S is in the northern hemisphere, that means solar panels should be facing south or slightly southwest.
Angle
This is the tilt of the solar panels. Tilting solar panels allows them to receive more sunlight throughout the day. The ideal angle is about 30° off the horizontal. This is more critical in winter when the sun is lower in the sky. You do not need to tilt the solar panels on sloped roofs but with a flat roof, you do. (Source)
What Do You need to Know About Installing Solar Panels On A Flat Roof?
In some ways, a flat roof is preferable to a sloped one. What are the pros and cons of installing on a flat versus a sloped roof?
Flat versus sloped roof installation
A flat roof installation is more flexible. You have room to choose the angle at which you want to mount the solar panels. This is a little more difficult with a sloped roof that is already tilted at an angle.
What you get in flexibility, you have to make up for with equipment, however. Flat roofs require additional tilt-up racking to angle the solar panels. They also might need to be weighed down to make them wind resistant. This adds a slight increase to the material costs.
Flat roofs are safer and easier to access. This can make the installation simpler than on a slanted roof where workers need safety equipment to stop them from falling off.
Overall, a flat roof comes with its challenges but it does have its advantages. The price difference in installing on a flat roof versus a sloped roof will likely be a few hundred dollars at most.
Does a Flat Roof Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels?
You do not need planning permission for installing solar panels on a flat roof. You only need the standard solar permitting. The regulatory requirements for installing on a flat roof are the same as those on a sloped roof.
All solar systems need you to file and meet the standards required to install solar on your building. Typically, there are two form requirements. One is from your power company and the other is from your housing authority.
Your housing authority has to approve the new construction while your power company has to approve interconnection to the grid if your system is a grid-tied solar system. Other than these two permits there are no further requirements for a flat roof.
Can You Put a Tesla Solar Roof on A Flat Roof?
You cannot put a Tesla solar roof on a flat roof. Like most other major solar installers, Tesla uses standardized designs which are geared for sloped roofs in its installations. This allows them to keep their costs lower in terms of labor and material costs.
As flat roofs require additional equipment, labor, and design modifications, this would mean Tesla would have to create a separate pricing model for them. (Source)
What Type of Roof Is Best for Solar Panels?
Standing seam metal roofs are better for solar panels as they are cheaper and easier to install. They typically do not need to be drilled into to mount the solar panels. The panels can be mounted using clamps reducing the labor involved.
In contrast to a seamed metal roof, other roof types typically require drilling to mount the solar panels. This adds some additional labor and the slight risk of leaks if the holes are not sealed properly. This rarely happens, however.
Clay tile roofs are the most difficult to install solar panels as the tiles have to be removed before installation.
Also, check out “Can a House Run on Solar Power Alone from Roof Solar Panels?“