How to install solar panels on a flat roof?

Solar panels that are mounted onto flat roofs need to be installed at a pitch that captures as much sunlight as possible, as well as keeping the panel clean. By mounting the panels at an angle of at least 10 degrees, self-cleaning is possible. Thankfully, self-standing solar panels are usually fitted at 20 and 50-degree angles.

What angle should solar panels be installed on a flat roof?

The ideal pitch for a Solar Panel is around 30 degrees off the horizontal. Simply because this allows the panels to gain more exposure from the sun throughout the entire day. When installing Solar panels on a flat roof, this is easily achieved. As the Solar Panels are installed onto a bracket which tilts the panel to around 30 degrees.

Can a flat roof solar system be installed on a domestic property?

Whilst flat roof solar systems are more commonly used on commercial buildings, they can certainly be fitted onto domestic properties too. Read on to find out more about flat roof solar, and how in many cases it is actually better than normal on-roof solar! How do Solar Panel Systems on a Flat Roof Work?

What is the difference between a flat roof and a solar panel?

For many flat roof installations, the difference is that a unique bracketing system allows the panels to be tilted at the right angle. Tilting helps to ensure that solar panels get the maximum sun exposure and generate maximum electricity.

Do stationary flat roof solar panels have a solar tracker?

The one drawback with stationary flat roof solar panels is that they can't turn to face the sun's direction. This is where an automatic solar tracker system comes into play. A solar tracker will allow the panels to turn to always face the sun and absorb its rays. (all quotes are 100% free! There's no catch!)

Do you need planning permission to install solar panels on a flat roof?

Thanks to recent changes to permitted development rules, most installations on flat roofs won’t need solar panel planning permission. So long as the panels aren’t visible from the street and don’t exceed 200mm above the roof, they should be covered under permitted development rights.