Solar energy is a game changer in the switch towards climate preservation. Solar Panels are nothing short of an investment if installed on your property. Being an emission-free and clean source of energy, bereft of greenhouse emissions, Solar energy leads among the renewable sources of energy at 13.2 % of India’s total installed capacity. Solar energy is on track to replace the energy needs in the industrial as well as household sectors.
Solar Panels once installed do not accrue maintenance costs, nevertheless, they are still getting a cold shoulder from many consumers because of their high installation costs, regional electricity rates, the capacity of the roof to carry the panels, and uncertainties associated with weather conditions, and a few more. Let’s not be disheartened though. We have listed down the most important factors to help you get your solar roof ready.
Roof Technicalities
1.1) Roof area: The area available for installation of the array of solar panels is among the primary criteria to pay attention to. A construction floor plan of the roof makes a good start. For inaccessible areas or ambiguous records, accurate measurement with the help of laser measurement tools is suggested.
1.2) Weight Bearing capacity– Roofs made of clay tiles or wood are not suitable for the installation of solar panels. Solar panels are heavy implying the roofs must be strong enough to withstand the weight of the panels. It’s wiser to consider repairs before the installation of the panels.
1.3) Roof leaks – Prior management to avoid water logging or avoid drain clogging due to ballast material must be factored in.
1.4) Roof color– White roofs reflect the sunlight onto the panels resulting in complete utilization of the sun rays.
2) Energy Requirements and Conversion Efficiency
The energy requirement of the building must be computed and compared with the generating capacity of the photovoltaic panels. Although not impossible, achieving a net zero requires an appropriate array of panels and conversion of solar energy.
3) Orientation and Shading Analysis
For efficient absorption of solar rays, any nearby obstructions such as shading by adjacent buildings or trees, or higher roofs should be prevented. 5 to 10 degrees of tilt are incorporated to evade shading by adjacent panels. To grasp maximum solar energy, it’s advisable to install panels facing south or southwest to ensure maximum energy production.
4)Inverter Provision
To regulate the flow of current and the conversion of direct current( DC) to alternating current (AC), an inverter is installed based on the scale of energy generation. Being an electrical appliance, the inverter must be installed in a safe site and be away from direct sunlight, moisture, and dirt to ensure trouble-free performance.
As the saying goes, make hay while the sun shines, we have brought some pointers to help you get your roofs ready for the transition to solar energy. However, trained solar installers from top solar companies must be contacted for efficient installation of the panels and help with approvals as well as connect with the electrical grid. The advantage of high performance with cost savings can be accomplished with cautious installation, monitoring and execution.
Reference:
Solar panel problems and how to solve them
Factors to consider to get your roofs solar ready
https://www.aia.org/articles/15451-eight-factors-to-consider-when-designing-sol:41
