Solar Panels on Flat Roofs: what You Need To Know
Do solar panels on flat roofs work? If you’re keen on investing in renewable, clean, and green solar energy, you do not have to let a flat roof keep you from installing a solar panel system.
So, can solar panels be installed on flat roofs?
Absolutely yes! As long as your roof is in good condition and no large obstructions are blocking the sunlight and diminishing your energy output.
This is excellent news for most American homeowners who prefer flat roofs. However, it would call for some adjustments.
Read on to understand the pros and cons of solar panels on flat roofs.
The Advantages of Flat Roofs for Solar Panel Installation
This is good news for you whether you use renewable energy on a domestic or commercial scale. How so? Solar engineers face specific challenges when installing solar panels on sloping roofs, such as the necessity to carefully consider the angle of the roof and its orientation. If the roof faces directions other than south—such as east, north, or west—the photovoltaic (PV) panels will likely produce significantly less energy than expected, due to reduced exposure to sunlight. However, on flat rooftops, there is a greater degree of flexibility. You have the freedom to adjust the angle of your solar panel system, allowing it to be oriented towards the optimal direction, which is generally between south and west. Additionally, you can fine-tune the alignment of the panels to match the latitude of your geographic location, further enhancing their efficiency. Since this setup represents the ideal positioning for solar panels, it ensures that you can achieve maximum energy production from your installation. As a result, you can expect better performance and higher energy yields from your solar panel system compared to a scenario where the panels are mounted on a sloping roof that does not face the most advantageous direction. This adaptability makes flat rooftops particularly suitable for both residential and commercial solar installations, offering a significant advantage in harnessing solar energy effectively.
Less Risky
Compared to a slanted roof, there are significantly fewer chances of men or material falling off the roof during installation. Working on a flat roof provides a much safer and more stable environment for installers, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Installers can move around freely and handle equipment with greater ease, without the constant concern of slipping or losing balance that is prevalent on sloped surfaces. This enhanced safety not only protects the workers but also minimizes the potential for damage to the solar panels and other materials during the installation process.energy from the utility
Less Damage
Ease of access and low installation costs aside, another major advantage of a flat roof is that it can withstand the wear and tear of the installation process better than a sloping roof. The sturdy and uniform surface of a flat roof provides a stable platform for installers to work on, reducing the risk of damage to the roof itself. Unlike sloped roofs, which are often covered with shingles or other materials that can be easily dislodged or damaged during installation, flat roofs are typically constructed with more durable materials such as rubber membranes, tar, or single-ply sheets. These materials are designed to handle heavy foot traffic and the placement of equipment without compromising their integrity.
This durability means that the installation process is less likely to cause any unintended damage to the roof. On a sloped roof, the risk of shingles coming loose or being stepped on and damaged is much higher, which can lead to leaks and other structural issues. In contrast, the robust nature of flat roofs ensures that the installation of solar panels can proceed smoothly and safely, without the worry of causing long-term damage to the roof’s surface. This not only protects your investment in the solar system but also maintains the overall condition and lifespan of your roof.
Maintains Aesthetics
Solar panels installed on flat roofs tend to be less conspicuous when viewed from the street level, which can be a significant advantage for homeowners who are concerned about maintaining the visual appeal of their property. The discreet placement of these panels helps to preserve the original design and curb appeal of the building, making them an attractive option for those who wish to integrate renewable energy solutions without compromising on aesthetics. When all aspects are taken into consideration, including the low visibility and the positive environmental impact, flat roofs present a strong argument in favor of solar panel installations. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that this approach is not devoid of drawbacks. For instance, flat roofs may require additional structural reinforcement to support the weight of the solar panels, and there could be challenges related to drainage and snow accumulation that need to be addressed. Despite these potential issues, the benefits often outweigh the disadvantages, making flat roof solar installations a viable and increasingly popular choice for many homeowners and businesses.
Do solar panels on flat roofs require high maintenance?
All solar panels require maintenance. However, if you go for a horizontal installation on a flat roof, you will need to clean your solar panels more often than you would a tilted one.
That’s why experts recommend tilting the PV modules at an angle for easy maintenance.
Using a Ballasted solar racking system during installation is a great way to achieve this. Solar panels installed on flat roofs using a ballast mount do not require drilling holes into the roof to anchor the system. They use weights instead.
Do solar panels always need to be tilted on flat roofs?
Not really, but it is highly recommended that you follow the optimum tilt angle during installation to maximize output. A tilted set-up also helps in the maintenance, because the rain can wash off any dust or debris that may accumulate on your solar panels over time. Most solar panel systems for flat roofs have a feature that allows you to change the degree of tilt after installation to suit your energy needs.
Additionally, given the high chances of damage from water seepage, getting a warranty on panels with less than two degrees of tilt is generally challenging. 
Contact us
PIKESTEC specializes in designing, researching, developing, producing, and servicing solar photovoltaic mounting systems. Our systems can be installed on tile roofs, flat roofs, ground installations, carport solar mounting systems, and more. You can contact us for more information!
