How to Install Rooftop Solar Panels?
A solar power system is a great way to cut your energy bills and play your part in keeping the planet green. The price of solar panels has come down substantially and these days, a solar panel system is within the reach of everyone, especially when you consider the rebates and incentives offered by state and federal governments.
One of the most common questions people ask is whether their roof is suitable for installing solar panels. The most common types of roofs in Australia include hip roof, skillion roof or flat roof.
Out of these 3, the hip roof with a high in the middle and downward slopes making a triangle shape tends to be the most common type.
Then, there are also different types of roofing materials.
Regardless of the type of roof, experienced installers will find a way to properly install the required number of solar panels on your roof. It’s true that some roof types and roofing materials make things easier for installers but having a particular type of roof is never going to be a limiting factor for solar panel installation.
Different Roof Types You Can Install Solar Panels with
Solar panels can be installed on any kind of roof including:
- Hip roof
- Skillion roof
- Flat roof
In terms of materials, you wouldn’t have any problem installing solar panels on:
- Metal roofing
- Tiles
- Kip lock commercial roofing
Since the hip roof has sloping sides, the panels can be directly installed onto the roof. Depending on the orientation, one side of the roof may have maximum exposure to the sun during a particular time whereas the other side will have more exposure at a different time period.
Similarly, tilted frames are required for the installation of solar panels on a flat roof.
When it comes to materials, metal roofing is the easiest for panel installation as the already installed roof screws can be used by the installer for fixing solar panels.
Tile roofs also do not offer any problems. In most commercial properties, the Kip Lock profile is the most common choice.
Flat roofs also allow for a straightforward installation process.
Types of Solar Power for the Home
There are various options when it comes to generating solar electricity. You need to be aware of all the options to make an informed decision when choosing a type of solar power system for your home. The solar power systems available for residential use can be broadly divided into these main types:
- Solar panels without any batteries
- Solar power system with batteries
- Completely off-grid system
A solar power system without any batteries is what the name implies. These solar panels produce electricity that needs to be consumed as and when it is produced as there is no storage attached to the system. The excess electricity produced by the solar panels is exported back to the power grid and you get money for that electricity in the form of a feed-in tariff.
A solar power system with batteries allows you to store the excess electricity produced during the day in batteries. The power stored in the batteries can then be used to meet your power requirements when there is no solar electricity or when the solar electricity isn’t enough. However, solar batteries tend to be quite expensive but there are rebates available in some regions.
There are also completely off-grid systems where you can’t connect the house power system to an external grid as there is no external grid. In such cases, you will need to produce and store your own power to be able to use power at all times.
Steps to Install Solar Panels on the Roof
As far as installing solar panels on the roof is concerned, the process depends on the type of roof you have. While you can always try to install these panels on your own, it is important to keep in mind that it needs to be installed by a properly licensed electrician as you will be connecting the system directly to the power grid and only a licensed electrician has the necessary know-how to make sure everything is done in a perfectly safe manner.
Here’s a quick look at how professionals install solar panels on a roof:
The first step in this process is the installation of brackets. If you have a tile roof, some tiles are removed to get the space needed to screw brackets.
Once the brackets have been installed, rails are mounted onto the brackets. The length of rails will depend on the number of solar panels you plan to install. Once the rails have been installed, solar panels are screwed onto these rails and the necessary connections are made to allow you to start making use of your solar power system.
In the case of metal roofing, no drilling is required on the roof structure as the existing roof screws can be directly used for fixing brackets.
When it comes to flat roofs, tilted frames have to be installed directly onto the flat roof and solar panels are attached to these tilted frames to ensure optimum performance.
Final Thoughts
Overall, a 6.6 kW system has the potential to save more than $1,000 each year in electricity costs for a standard household in the country. The cost of installation has come down substantially over the past few years due to the generous rebates and incentives on offer.
Keep in mind that these rebates are being offered only till 2030 and the amount gets reduced each year. This is why it is high time for you to start the process of solar power system installation right now.
Switch to Solar Energy!
Macedon Ranges Solar Power has more than a decade of solar panel installation experience in the region. We also offer repair and maintenance services for solar power systems. We have partnered with the best manufacturers across the globe to provide the best solar power technology to our customers at the most affordable prices.
Please give us a call today on 1300 693 113 to learn more or make an enquiry.
