Opting for commercial solar installation provides great returns on your investment, reduces operating costs, and establishes a positive image as a green company. However, you may have some concerns about a rooftop solar panel system or a utility-scale ground-mounted solar panel system placed on flat roofing.
What to Know About Installing Solar Panels on Flat Roofs
If you are concerned about solar installation, don’t worry because you can still push through with your plan. Before installing, here are some things you should know:
1. Installing solar panels on a flat roof is possible
Putting solar panels on a flat roof is possible and in some cases, the installation process might be more straightforward with a flat roof. It can be completed with flat solar racking and can actually be more flexible in the design than sloped rooftop installations. As a result, you can get as much use as possible from them.
Since there are many design considerations for solar panels on a flat roof, some solar installers might tell you that they don’t work on flat roofs. This is particularly true if you reside in an area where flat roofs are less common. The key is to look for an installer experienced in designing and installing solar panel systems for flat roofs.
2. Installation costs are competitive and can be less expensive
Many people assume that installing solar panels on flat roofs is more expensive, but that is not always the case. The costs between this system and the traditional pitched one is similar. Both types of systems require labor and installation fees to account for about ten percent of the total installation expenses.
In general, solar panel installation on a flat roof can be less expensive than adding panels to a pitched roof. This is because labor can be cheaper. Unlike the logistics involved in installing solar panels by climbing around on a steep roof, workers can move freely on a flat roof without special equipment.
As an added benefit, multiple holes in your flat roof don’t have to be drilled. You just have to use a weighted mounting system, also known as a ballast system, to hold the solar panels securely.
3. Solar panels can be installed at the perfect angle to maximize electricity production
Installing solar panels on standard sloped roofs requires them to be placed facing south at an angle equal to the latitude where they are located. For example, having a roof that faces west or east means the solar panels can be installed only on the north side of the roof. Therefore, your system will generate less electricity.
On the flip side, solar panels on flat roofs offer more flexibility in solar panel system design. Regardless of which direction your property faces, they can be mounted at the right angle to catch the sun.
Specialized equipment, like angle mounts, can be used to tilt your solar panels up to make them exposed to the sun for as much of the day as possible. This way, you are assured that the system creates as much energy as you need and functions efficiently.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, installing solar panels on the flat roof of your commercial property is entirely doable. It has a minimal slope allowance that accommodates solar PV panel systems. You just have to remember the information on this guide before installing and search for a solar installer who provides solar energy solutions to clients with a flat roof.
If you need commercial solar panels for your place of business, contact Simmitri. Unlike other companies with a cookie-cutter approach, we believe that a successful solar installation focuses on every client’s unique needs and requirements. Contact our team to set up a solar consultation today!
[rank_math_contact_info]
