weight of solar panels on roof

If you are interested in placing solar panels on your home, you should first perform an assessment of the condition of your roof to see if it supports the weight of the solar panels on the roof.

Solar panels on a roof are definitely worth it, but not all roofs can support the weight of solar panels. In this article we discuss the weight of solar panels on the roof

weight of solar panels on roof

A standard solar panel in an aluminum frame weighs approximately 10 to 25 kilos per square meterTo see if your roof can withstand solar panels, it is important not only to pay attention to the weight of the panels. 

You must also take into account the weight of the roofers and the counterweight. Most roofs can carry solar panels, but some obsolete roofs can not. If you want to be sure of your case, you can always hire a builder.

Flat roof

Solar panels on a flat roof are generally inclined. Because the panels are angled steel, they trap a lot of wind. To prevent the solar panels from moving, they must be secured with construction material, also known as ballast. 

The ballast can be, for example, gravel or tiles. The required ballast depends in particular on the wind zone in which your home is located and the height of your roof. In general, the counterweight has a weight of 20 to 50 kilos per square meter.

 

Is your ceiling too weak?

If you have come to the conclusion that your roof can not support the weight of the desired amount of solar panels, there are three things you can do:

  • replace the roof
  • lightweight panels
  • roof solar panels

These three actions will be explained briefly below.

Replace roof

Perhaps the most obvious option is to replace the roof. If your roof is so weak that it can not support solar panels, it is likely that the roof is outdated. You can replace your roof and install solar panels directly on it.

Lightweight panels

Nowadays there are some companies that make special lightweight solar panels. These solar panels only weigh 10 kilos per square meter. So, if your roof simply does not maintain normal solar panels, then opt for solar light panels.

Roof tile solar panels

Finally, you can also opt for tile solar panels. These are small panels baked in a tile. Your current tile will be replaced by a tile with an integrated solar panel. The solar panels on the roof tiles weigh less in total, because the panels are part of the tile. 

In comparison with its old tiles, there is little additional weight. In addition, no support structure is required. With the solar panels of the roof tile there is also the possibility of taking a smaller surface of solar panels.

weight of solar panels on roof

Therefore, average ceilings can generally use solar panels, but some older houses can not. Check this in advance, because it is your own responsibility. If your roof can not support solar panels, opt for lightweight solar panels or shingle solar panels.

 

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