Can solar panels be installed on any type of roof?
The answer to the question in the headline of this article is yes, definitely. And this is thanks to the versatility of solar panels, the capacity of installers and, above all, the solar potential of Spain, which makes it possible to take advantage of it in any region of the territory.
The slope of a roof defines the way in which the modules must be installed, the number of units and the orientation that the panels will have in an installation for self-consumption. Therefore, depending on these three factors, we can find different types of roofs.
Flat roofs
As mentioned above, this is the most common type in Spain. Despite their name, they have a surface that is not 100% horizontal since, by regulation, there must be a slight slope so that rainwater does not remain stagnant.
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One of their great advantages is that they allow the installation of support structures to orient the panels at the best angle. In order to produce the greatest amount of kWh of electricity, they are usually elevated on fixed structures that form an artificial slope, so that the sun’s rays can have a better impact. However, it is important to know that the weight of these supports can affect the building’s infrastructure.
Sloped pitched roofs
The other most common type of roof is the pitched roof, and those with a minimum slope of 10º fall into this classification. However, it is also possible to install support structures on these roofs and, in addition, the panels can be installed directly as long as the slope does not exceed 35º on the roof itself.
It should be remembered that the ideal slope in Spain for solar panels is around 30 – 40º.
Inverted roofs
The characteristics of inverted roofs are the same as those of flat roofs and are equally passable. The main difference lies in the fact that, in the case of inverted roofs, they have a total waterproofing system that better withstands inclement weather.
They are also perfectly suitable for the installation of solar panels and the degree of inclination of the structure should be the same as in the first case.
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Mansard roofs
Mansard roofs, sometimes called “French roofs”, designate roofs formed by combined surfaces with two different slopes, the lower one steeper than the upper one.
Despite having this double slope with different degrees of inclination, one slope of 35º and the others of between 70 and 80º generally do not pose a problem when it comes to installing solar panels.
Provided that the square meters are sufficient to house panels, engineering companies are prepared to offer structural installation solutions that also allow taking advantage of this type of roofs.
Roofs with carpentry roofs
These are special pitched roofs with steep slopes that converge in a peak, like a tent. These roofs are probably the most challenging to install panels on and it will always be easy or advisable to do so. It will depend on the available surface and the slope.
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Highlights
While there are possibilities for installing panels on any roof, practically speaking, one must always consider the effect of shadows cast on the panels by elements external to the project, as well as the climatic conditions of the area. In cold regions, when it snows, the structure can be affected and it is important in these cases that there is enough space between rows of panels to be able to clean the equipment.
Another common practice is to grow or plant vegetation in these spaces, as this helps the natural cooling of the solar equipment.
Whatever the roof and climate of the area in which a project is carried out, the solar industry is sufficiently mature and capable of executing a photovoltaic project with greater or lesser difficulty. But the roof, in general, is not a barrier to betting on energy self-consumption.
