A ‘solar farm’ – otherwise known as a photovoltaic power station – refers to an area of land used to generate electricity through solar panels. These solar farms generally use ground mounted solar panels for several reasons;
- Ground Mounted Solar panels can follow the path of the sun.
- Allows you to place a vast amount of Solar panels, as long as you have the land available.
- No need to worry about the structural integrity of a building or roof.
- Easier access for repairs and cleaning.
- More effective than mounting panels on a north-facing gable (slanted) rooftop.
As mentioned above, the ground framework allows your panels to follow the path of the sun. This means they receive more light across more hours of the day, but only in areas unobstructed by things like trees and buildings. The flatter the horizon, the more effective your panels will be.
When it comes to rooftop installation the types of roofs and access point/s to said roofs makes each job a little different. In fact, even the material that your roof is made from can impact rooftop solar panel installation!
The best types of material for rooftop solar panel installation are;
- Tiles,
- Slate,
- Composite roofing,
- Metal (especially roofs with standing seams),
- Tar and gravel (commonly used for flat roofs).
These roofing materials all make good options due to their durability, lifespan, and ease of repair/ restructuring.
Tiles and slate shingles can be removed and the solar panels mounted directly to the roofbeams, or brackets can be placed onto the shingles if they’re stable enough. Whereas a metal roof with seams allows the solar panels to be attached to these seams, potentially lowering installation costs.
The main thing to consider when deciding where to install solar panels is why you’re installing them in the first place.
Obviously, solar farms serve the specific purpose of generating as much solar energy as possible. If you’re seeking solar panel installation to offset energy bills at home then you would probably find rooftop mounting a better solution.
Ground mounted solar panels work for a solar farm because their sole purpose is converting UV rays into usable electricity. However, for a home or business would you be willing to sacrifice your garden, or other available land, to generate green energy?
Rooftops that we recommend against for solar panel installation are materials like thatch and wood. This is due to the risk of rotting and fire;
- Solar panels naturally block an area of your roof from receiving sunlight. For materials like wood and thatched straw this means the roof underneath your panels will decay. Especially in wetter countries like the United Kingdom.
- Wooden and thatched roofs already pose a higher risk of fire than other materials. Bearing this in mind, adding an electrical element on top is unsafe.
When installing panels on a gable rooftop they’re usually directly mounted. This means that they’re attached firmly to your roof. As such, unlike ground mounted solar panels they’re unable to be moved or follow the path of the sun; receiving less light throughout the day.
