Can you put solar panels on a flat roof?
Engineering Optimal Tilt: Solar panels cannot be laid flat on the roof surface for reasons of both energy production and long-term system health.
Solar panels shouldn't be laid flat. To maximize their time in the sun, solar panels should ideally face south and tilt between 15 and 40 degrees. Most sloped roofs are in this angle range, which makes for an easy installation. But that doesn't mean that flat roofs aren't fit for solar, too.
Although it certainly is advantageous to have a roof that is inclined in the sun's direction, a flat surface will also do. With a flat roof, your solar panels will still get direct sunlight, which is the whole point of putting them on the roof.
A flat roof solar panel installation is entirely feasible and worth it. You'll just need more racking equipment to ensure your panels face south and are at an optimal angle. In some ways, flat roof solar panel systems are actually more advantageous than traditional slanted roof systems.
It is generally better to install solar panels at an angle rather than flat. Angled panels capture more light, leading to greater energy use efficiency. They are especially effective when facing south in the northern hemisphere. Angled installations allow rainwater to naturally wash away debris, reducing the need for maintenance.
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