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Choosing Mounting Systems for Solar Panels on Flat Roofs

Installing solar panels on flat roofs can be more costly than sloped roofs. Have you ever wondered why installing solar panels on flat roofs can be pricier? What makes them different from solar panels on sloped roofs? The answer lies in the mounting systems.

Let us discuss why mounting systems are essential for flat-roof solar panels, how they work, and how you can make the most of your flat roof. If you are considering switching to solar energy but have concerns about the costs or installation, we are here to clarify and simplify the process.

Key Takeaways:

  • Flat Roofs Are Solar-Friendly: Even if your roof is flat, you can still install solar panels effectively with the right mounting system. These systems tilt panels at optimal angles to increase sunlight exposure and ensure long-term efficiency.

  • Choosing the Right Mounting System is Essential: The ideal mounting system depends on your roof’s structure, local climate, and energy needs. Options like ballasted systems protect waterproofing layers, while adjustable tilt systems boost energy output year-round.

  • Consider Key Factors for Long-Term Efficiency
    Factors like roof load capacity, weather resistance, sunlight exposure, and roof protection play a role in choosing the right mounting system. Consulting professionals ensure your system meets all these criteria.

Can You Install Solar Panels On Flat Roofs?

You can install solar panels on flat roofs. Just because your roof is flat doesn't mean you can't enjoy the benefits of solar energy. Flat roofs can be an excellent choice for solar panels. They offer plenty of space to install multiple arrays. However, the challenge with flat roofs is that they don't naturally have the angle that sloped roofs provide for capturing sunlight. This is where mounting systems come into play—they help to tilt the panels to the optimal angle for maximum energy production.

Why Are Mounting Systems Essential for Flat Roof Solar Panels?

Flat roofs don't have an apparent slope, so we need to elevate the solar panels. Mounting systems enable the solar panel to adjust and tilt at an angle to capture as much sunlight as possible. Additionally, these systems keep the panels secure and stable. They help distribute the weight of the solar panels evenly across the roof and reduce the risk of damage or strain on the structure.

Flat roofs are not entirely flat. They have a slight slope that allows water to drain off the surface. However, even with the slight slope, solar panels installed directly on flat roofs could still obstruct the water flow, especially if the panels are large or spread out.

Without a mounting system to elevate the solar panels, water could collect around them, resulting in issues like corrosion and damage to the roof surface. Mounting systems promote airflow beneath the panels and reduce the risk of water buildup and moisture-related problems.

heat pump close up

Another consideration for flat roofs is the presence of parapet walls. These walls can cast shadows that affect the solar panels' performance. It may block sunlight from reaching some parts of the panels and reduce the amount of energy the system can generate. Its impact depends on the height and position of the parapet wall. Properly positioning the panels with the right mounting system ensures that shadows from the parapet are avoided or minimised.

Furthermore, flat roofs are more vulnerable to wind than sloped ones because there is no natural angle to reduce wind resistance. If your installer placed them directly on a flat surface, the wind could loosen them, damaging the panels and the roof.

Types of Mounting Systems for Flat Roofs

Flat roofs can be unique to different homes. So, your mounting system must cater to your personal needs and situations. Let’s differentiate the types of mounting systems to find out what best fits your flat roof.

Ballasted Mounting Systems

Is your flat roof covered in a sturdy membrane like EPDM or TPO? Or do you want to avoid drilling into your roof as much as possible? A ballasted system might be your best choice. These flat roofs are typical in modern residential homes and small commercial buildings. Maintaining the waterproofing layer on these roofs is crucial.

Ballasted systems can protect your roof's integrity because they hold your solar panels securely without penetration. We use sturdy, heavy-duty materials to safely anchor your solar panels. Just ensure your roof's structure can handle the additional weight. This step is necessary for older buildings or those with lightweight roofing materials.

Fix Tilt Mounting Systems

A fixed tilt system is an excellent match if you have a flat roof made of concrete or highly durable material built to withstand different loads. These roof types are perfect for this simple and cost-effective setup since they don’t need much extra support. Fixed tilt systems are ideal if you want something low-maintenance and live where the sun's position doesn’t change much throughout the year.

solar panles mounted on roof

Adjustable Tilt Mounting Systems

Do you have a flat roof with plenty of open space and no shading issues? Adjustable tilt systems are great for boosting your energy production. This option works well on roofs that allow easy access for regular maintenance and manual adjustments, such as metal flat roofs or even spacious concrete ones.

If you live in a region with frequent changes in sunlight throughout the year, adjustable systems let you adjust your panel angles for the best performance all year. In winter, for instance, you can tilt them more to catch more sunlight when the sun is lower in the sky. However, adjustable systems require regular maintenance and manual adjustments. They may not be practical if you’re looking for a low-maintenance solution.

solar installer

Hybrid Mounting System

Hybrid systems are a perfect blend of stability and durability for flat roofs in challenging environments such as windy or storm-prone areas. These systems work well on roofs located in exposed areas or with uneven surfaces, such as older concrete roofs that may have slight wear.

Hybrid systems combine elements of both ballasted and anchored mounting designs. They ensure your panels stay firmly in place using a combination of ballast and anchor points. Since they may need partial roof penetration, working with a professional installer goes a long way in protecting your roof.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mounting System

Now that you have learned the different types of mounting systems, it is time to narrow down which one best suits your home. Selecting the right system is more than just about securing your solar panel. It is about ensuring long-term efficiency, durability, and protection for your home.

  • Roof Load Capacity: It’s essential to ensure your roof can handle the weight of the mounting system and solar panels. If you're unsure, contact us to conduct a site inspection to avoid overloading your roof.

  • Wind and Weather Resistance: Choose a mounting system designed for your local climate, especially in areas with high winds or extreme weather conditions. Make sure it’s built to withstand these forces for the long term.

  • Roof Sunlight Exposure: Choose a system that ensures optimal sunlight exposure to increase energy production. For accurate results, you can consult us for expert advice on the best tilt and orientation for your roof.

  • Roof Protection: Ensure the system won’t compromise your roof. Ballasted systems don’t need penetration and help protect the roof, while other systems may require drilling. Penetrating through your roof could create potential leaks if not properly sealed.

  • Long-Term Durability: Opt for a high-quality, corrosion-resistant mounting system that can endure harsh weather conditions and keep your solar panels secure for years.

Get the Right Mounting System for Your Flat Roof

Each flat roof is unique. In effect, you must choose a system that aligns with your roof's structure, the local climate, and energy goals to be effective. Take the short route and get an expert opinion from us.

1KOMMA5° is here to help you select the best option based on your roof type and local conditions. Contact us today for a site inspection, and let our experts provide a tailored solar solution that fits your home. With the right mounting system, you can level up your energy savings and enjoy the full benefits of solar power for years.

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Head over to the 1KOMMA5° blog for more helpful tips and other important guides on everything solar, from inverters, panels and batteries to how to make the most of your investment for years to come.

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Get all the right information before installing a solar power system for your home in NSW.

Learn about how you can reduce your power bills, government rebates, how to select the right system for you and of course how to get the most out of your solar.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Installing Solar Power

Are there any rebates available?

There are great government rebates/incentives still in place for eligible households. Basically, the larger the panel array, the more STCs your solar system generates as it is based on the expected output of the system over time.

When you buy a solar system, the purchase price is normally reduced by the value of the STCs created by your system. You simply fill out a form on the day of installation to confirm that the system has been installed, and that’s it. There is no additional paperwork that you need to do.

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC’s) – previously known as Renewable Energy Certificates or RECS – are created when a Renewable Energy System such as a Solar PV system is installed.

The number of STC’s depends on the predicted amount of energy generated and hence the larger the system the greater the rebate. In essence, one STC is created for every megawatt-hour of production capacity of the system.

This is further multiplied by the number of years the system is likely to generate energy (for home solar systems, this is usually 15 years, although the life of the solar panels themselves is considerably more than that).

This incentive program is being phased out until 2030, so each year the number of certificates your system is eligible for reduces.

STC Price

The system for trading and pricing STCs for small systems is managed by the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

STCs are bought by Liable Parties (usually electricity retailers) and must be surrendered at the end of each quarter. As the number of STCs that are required to be surrendered is a fixed amount each year, but the number of STCs created is variable, the price paid for STCs also varies and is determined by supply and demand.

The Federal Government legislated in 2010 a fixed price for STCs by implementing a Clearing House system where STCs can be bought and sold for $40. However, there is no requirement for Liable Parties to purchase from the Clearing House, so they are likely to only do so if there is a shortage of STCs or the market price exceeds $40. There is currently a surplus of STCs in the market which means the market price of STC’s below $40

How does the feed-in tariff work?

The Feed In Tariff is only something you need to worry about if you don’t have battery storage.

The price your chosen energy retailer pays for any excess electricity generated from your solar panels is recorded as a credit on your power bill.

In NSW, solar power is fed into your home as it is generated and your household will use it first before you draw power from the grid.

This means that for every kWh of solar power used in the home you are directly saving money you’d spend on your power bill. This reduction in your power bill is the main financial benefit of solar power.

Everything else will be bought up at an agreed rate by your electricity retailer.

At the moment, most feed-in tariffs are between 5 and 10 cents per kWh, with many being about 7 cents. They bounce up and down a lot, for example in previous years they have been up over 20 cents per kWh. Typically, they are always at least 5 cents per kWh.

What happens once I sign the paperwork?

Once you sign up for a 1KOMMA5° Installation, we immediately submit your grid application to the relevant energy distributor. For systems up to 5kWs, this is a formality. For larger systems it can take a few days or more. Once we receive approval, your installation will be managed by our installation coordinator, who will welcome you to 1KOMMA5° and book an installation date for you. This is generally booked within around two weeks and installation dates are available Monday to Friday, weather permitting.

We endeavour to have your system installed within 2-4 weeks unless you request us to hold for whatever reason. Due to our strict safety policy, we do not install solar systems when it rains. In the event of inclement weather, we will rebook your installation as soon as possible. We always work with your requests as we strongly recommend that someone be home on the day of installation.

Do you offer finance?

Green Loans can be an affordable way to pay for your solar power system and is only available for approved products. As a Clean Energy Council Accredited installer, all our systems qualify.

Green Loans can be used to finance 1KOMMA5° systems from $1,000 to $30,000 over a 2-7 year term. Once you have received a referral from 1KOMMA5°, online approval usually occurs within 1-2 business days. Green Loans have a competitive fixed interest rate that is as low as 7.99% p.a.* | Comparison rate 9.21% p.a.^ Establishment fee of $299 added to the loan amount. $2.70 per week account keeping fee included in repayments.

To be eligible to apply you must:

  • Be over 18 years old and an Australian resident or citizen

  • Own or be purchasing a home

  • Be employed, self-employed, a self-funded retiree; or is receiving the Government Age Pension

  • Have an Australian driver’s license or Passport

  • Provide two most recent payslips or 90 days of bank statements

There are a number of good, competitive Green Loan providers – ask us about the options available.

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1KOMMA5° Blog

Need more information?

Head over to the 1KOMMA5° blog for more helpful tips and other important guides on everything solar, from inverters, panels and batteries to how to make the most of your investment for years to come.

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