Technical feasibility

Roof Load with Solar Panels: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Solar panels have become a popular and sustainable way to generate renewable energy. Increasingly, homeowners are considering installing solar panels on their roofs to contribute to a greener future while benefiting from lower energy costs. However, when planning such an installation, it is crucial to consider the roof load. Not every roof is suitable for solar panels, and ignoring this factor can lead to serious problems in the future.

Which roofs are suitable? Structure and Load-Bearing Capacity: The most important criterion for a suitable roof is its load-bearing capacity. Solar panels can weigh significantly, depending on the type and brand. The roof’s load-bearing capacity must be able to safely support this load. Consult a structural engineer to assess your roof’s load-bearing capacity before installing solar panels.

Roof Pitch and Orientation: Roofs with a pitch between 15 and 40 degrees are ideal for solar panels as they provide optimal exposure to sunlight. Additionally, orientation relative to the sun is important. South-facing roofs generally capture more sunlight, making them preferable.

Roof Material: Solar panels can be installed on most roof materials, such as bitumen, tiles, slate, and metal roofing. However, it is important to consider the condition of the roof. If the roof is old and in poor condition, it may be wise to renovate it before installing solar panels.

Which roofs may not be suitable? Too Light Roofs: Roofs not designed to bear additional weight, such as some flat roofs, may not be suitable for solar panels. Adding the extra weight of the panels and mounting systems can jeopardize the integrity of the roof.

Roofs with Shade Issues: If a roof is frequently shaded, this can reduce the efficiency of solar panels. Shade from trees, buildings, or other obstacles can negatively impact the performance of your solar energy system.

Roofs with Structural Limitations: Some roofs have structural elements, such as chimneys, skylights, or ventilation openings, which may hinder the installation of solar panels. It is important to consider these obstacles during the planning phase.

Conclusion: Installing solar panels is a valuable investment in sustainable energy, but it is essential to carefully consider the suitability of your roof. A thorough assessment of load-bearing capacity, pitch, orientation, and any obstacles will help ensure that your solar panels function safely and efficiently. Always consult a professional to assess the structural integrity of your roof, and then enjoy the benefits of green energy without unpleasant surprises.

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Hot Water Specialist

If you are interested in partnering with Solarus or investing in our company, we invite you to take action today. Contact Solarus today to learn more about how you can be a part of the solution and help create a more sustainable future for us all. Together, we can make a difference.

Izelle van der Spek

Izelle van der Spek

Hot Water Specialist

+27(0) 60 947 0659
izelle@solarus.com

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We are Solarus

  • Solarus designs one-stop integrated hot water and energy solutions that are customized to match your energy demand profile.
  • Solarus solutions collect up to 4 times more total energy from the same (roof) area, over any PV installation.
  • Solarus turn-key projects deliver the lowest per-kilowatt energy costs over any competition on limited (roof) space, guaranteed! 4x more CO2 reductions and 3x more profitable vs a regular solar PV installation.
  • Solarus stays on your side, and on your site, from inception, through installation, into operations & maintenance, and monitoring, ensuring optimal system performance over the lifetime of the solution.

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