regional aid
sustainable development
photovoltaic (pv)
how to choose my solar panel mounting system on the roof?
what about universal supports for solar panels?
how to fix solar panels on the roof of a house?
fixing your photovoltaic panels: at what cost?
edf enr editorial staff
thinking of installing solar panel in Australia on your roof and not sure where to start? it's normal: there are many ways to accommodate a photovoltaic installation. the roof is often the best place to fix solar panels, but the type of fixing can vary depending on your type of roof: tiles, corrugated iron, flat roof.
individuals choice
most individuals choose to put their solar panels on their roof , but you can also choose to integrate them into your roof in certain cases. beyond these first variables, you will no doubt ask yourself other questions.
can i install my solar panels myself?
what are the standards for fixing my solar panels? what protection for my electrical installation, especially against lightning? each case is specific, but this
where to fix your photovoltaic installation?
to choose how to mount your solar panels, you must first decide where you will install them. most of the time, photovoltaic installations are placed on the roof of houses.
why fix your solar panels on your roof and not elsewhere?
it must be said that the roof of your house has several advantages:
there is often enough space to install your solar panels (between 10 and 30 m 2 )
the roof is less accessible than a place on the ground , which reduces the risk of accident or vandalism;the angle of your roof is often closer to the ideal slope for your solar panels .
relevant places to install your solar panels
but other places may be relevant to install your solar panels in australia, especially if your roof is not exposed enough to the SUN. indeed, the ideal is a south, south-east or south-west orientation . this is why, in some cases, a sunny spot, for installation on the ground, may be more relevant than a roof to install your solar panels.
how to choose my solar panel sydney mounting system on the roof?
there are several possibilities:
solar panels: integration or superimposition?
first, you will have to choose between two installation options.
integration: that is to say choosing to integrate your solar panels into your roof : they are then used as building materials to form part of the roof. this method involves removing tiles, which can be expensive.
overlaying: that is to say installing your solar panels in Australia over your roof : they are not part of the envelope of the house, and are fixed using different systems on the roof. there is no decurling, nor risk of loss of waterproofing of the roof: it is therefore a safer installation (since less problem of waterproofing), with better heat dissipation behind the modules , shorter and less expensive.
cause of supercharging
this is why supercharging is the most used to generate green electricity. integration is generally preferred when the architects or the plu request it, especially for houses under construction or being renovated.
choose your fixing system according to your roof
if, like many individuals, you opt for superimposition, you must choose your fixing system. most of the time, these are fixing hooks attached to the roof, and on which rails are fixed. these rails will then support your photovoltaic panels. from this base, the ideal device may vary depending on the type of your roof.
on a tiled roof , some hooks offer a clipping system perpendicular to the tile, which avoids screwing and reduces the risk of leaks. other fixing systems allow us to attach directly to the wooden frame of the house. there are as many hooks as shapes/types/sizes of tiles.
on a fiber cement roof , some hooks fit the shape to better fix the rails, and can even adapt to the roofing screws already in place to avoid drilling;
on a very regular steel deck roof , some rails can be screwed directly into the wave, without the need for a hook. other fixing systems can be screwed directly under the steel deck;
on a roof terrace , even more regular, systems of studs or heat-welded rails are directly welded into the membrane, or rails with weighted brackets, can make it possible to gain in inclination while remaining very robust.
fastening system
each type of roof will therefore have its preferred fastening system. technologies are advancing steadily, in particular with increasingly light mounting rails. faced with all the possibilities available to you, be sure to choose your mounting system according to your roof, risks such as wind resistance, or even the sizing of your solar panels .
what about universal supports for solar panels?
we sometimes speak of universal supports for photovoltaic panels, but this is an abuse of language: there is no solution that encompasses all roofing possibilities. however, there are universal brackets, that is to say parts that allow you to connect any solar panel to any rail.
how to fix solar panels on the roof of a house?
attaching solar panels to a roof can be very quick. but several questions arise.
can i mount my solar panels on my roof myself?
it is not mandatory to call on a professional to set up your photovoltaic installation. more and more “solar kits” are appearing on the market boasting an autonomous installation. be careful though: these are solutions reserved for the most diy enthusiasts .
it is therefore often recommended to call on professionals , even if you buy a product of this type, for several reasons:
help you choose the right materials (from the mounting system to the photovoltaic modules themselves).
effectively fix the panels and avoid damaging the waterproofing of your roof in the event of uncurling or screwing;
avoid taking risks by working at height ;
power up your solar panels according to standards , and connect them to the rest of your electrical installation: inverter, battery, etc.
what are the legal obligations for fixing solar panels?
before installing your photovoltaic panels on your roof, you must take a few steps:
for an existing building, you must make a declaration at the town hall to obtain a certificate of non-objection (cno);
for a new building, the panels will be included in the building permit ;
some municipalities may introduce aesthetic constraints (color of roofs) or architectural constraints (sensitive heritage): find out! ;
if you live in a condominium , the installation of the solar panels must be validated with the co-owners.
you must be covered by civil liability insurance , and “property damage” insurance including your photovoltaic installation can be useful in the event of an accident (fire, vandalism, etc.
recognized guarantor of the environment
if you wish to obtain certain public aid , you must imperatively involve a professional rge (recognized guarantor of the environment).
fixing your photovoltaic panels: at what cost?
as you will have understood, the price of installing your solar panels depends on several factors:
the service provider chosen : installing your solar panels yourself will allow you to save money, but is not without risk;
the type of installation :
integration into the roof is more expensive than superimposing;
your type of roof and the quality of the fixings desired;
the number of solar panels to be fixed , and therefore the number of fixings and rails to be installed, tiles to be removed, etc.
despite all these variables, it is certain that the installation of photovoltaic panels is a real investment. it's up to you to calculate your electrical needs and the performance of your future panels to find the right balance in
