While load shedding hasn't been front and centre in the last few months, we all know how quickly things can turn around in South Africa, so having your own energy generation capacity in case of power station breakdowns or local grid issues is still an active home upgrade.

It not only gives you a fallback option to rely on when Eskom cannot deliver, but with the increase in prices for grid-based electricity, solar is starting to close the gap in terms of ROI, bar no theft or major breakdown of your system over a five to ten year period.

Solar panels are also a great way to save money on your energy bills during the summer months. With an abundance of energy available, you should not need to use Eskom, and it's a way to reduce your carbon footprint.

For solar panels to work effectively, they require the best angle of exposure to direct rays of sunlight; the more time it has focusing on direct sunlight, the better the chance of gathering enough energy to power your home and charge your batteries.

If you have a slanted roof you'll normally have panels on each side of the roof to capture morning and evening sun, while overhead should be covered during the noon periods.

But if you have a flat roof, you can install solar panels on it; you might be limited in your range of sunlight exposure, so what can you do about it?

Mountings for your solar panel

Having a flat roof doesn't mean you're excluded from solar installations, but you will need some additional planning and equipment. Reach out to a professional who can optimise the placements for the best sunlight exposure.

Mountings can be built and set up on your roof to create a preferred angle for your system; these mountings need to be strong and correctly anchored since they will encounter more wind resistance, which could see those expensive panels ripped off your roof and managed to.

Additionally, these panels should be placed in a fashion that can ideally be hidden from view; with solar panel theft becoming more popular, if it is possible to obscure the view of your panels, you could save yourself from opportunistic criminals snooping around.

Ideas for a flat rooftop solar install

Installing solar panels on a flat roof can be a great way to save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, but if not done right, it can remain costly for longer and even run you into the negative.

Not everyone has a positive experience with solar energy, so you need to prepare your system and accept its limitations.

Here are some additional tips for installing solar panels on a flat roof:

• Make sure that the solar panels are installed in an area that receives direct sunlight.
• The panels should be tilted at an angle of about 15 degrees. This will help to maximize the amount of sunlight that the panels receive.
• Make sure that the panels are correctly ventilated. This will help to keep the panels cool and prevent them from overheating.
• Use a high-quality mounting system. This will help to ensure that the panels are securely attached to the roof.
• Hire a qualified installer. This will ensure that the panels are installed correctly and safely.

An example of a flat rooftop solar

Maintenance considerations of flat roof solar

All solar panels get filthy over time; they are exposed to the elements, and a combination of rain, wind and dust can create layers that reduce the effectiveness of your panels, so they require regular cleaning.

A tiled roof-mounted panel has the advantage of a natural slant, so it is common that rainwater or even spraying your roof can wash dirt and other debris off. In the absence of this self-cleaning function, the dirt can remain there, degrading the efficiency of solar panels, and it will require some regular physical labour to get up there and wipe them down regularly.

Installation issues

Flat roof panels can also encourage water to sit between them and the module's glass layer. The gap between the glass layers is covered by silicon, which degrades over time. Thus, the panels are more likely to be damaged more quickly than they would normally be.

Here are the steps involved in installing solar panels on a flat roof:

1. Get a permit. You will need to obtain a permit from your local building department before you can install solar panels on your roof.
2. Hire a qualified installer. It is important to hire a qualified installer to install your solar panels. This will ensure that the panels are installed correctly and safely.
3. Inspect your roof. Your installer will need to inspect your roof to make sure that it is in good condition and can support the weight of the solar panels.
4. Clean your roof. Your roof will need to be clean and free of debris before the solar panels are installed.
5. Install the mounting system. The mounting system will be attached to the roof. This system will support the solar panels.
6. Install the solar panels. The solar panels will be attached to the mounting system.
7. Connect the wiring. The wiring will be connected to the solar panels and the inverter.
8. Test the system. The system will be tested to make sure that it is working properly.

Create the ideal home. 

Future-proofing your home should not have to be a stressful experience; with professional guidance, you can create a space that's not only functional but also adds value to your home and quality of life.

If you're still unsure about your renovation plans and want to speak to a professional, please feel free to reach out to our team for a consultation, and we'll be happy to walk you through some of the options and even create a 3D model of possible ideas. 

Once you're ready to move from the idea phase to the building phase, our team will be ready to support you, source materials from high-quality suppliers and help you build your dream space. 

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