Solar Panels Systems for Concrete Roofs
Have you ever considered the potential of your concrete roof? While it may seem like just another part of your home’s structure, your roof has the potential to do much more than just keep the rain out. By installing a solar panel system on your concrete roof, you can harness the power of the sun to generate clean, renewable energy for your home.
The Benefits of Solar Panels on Concrete Roofs
When it comes to concrete roofs specifically, there are even more benefits to consider. Concrete roofs are extremely durable and can last for decades, making them an ideal platform for a solar panel system. Additionally, concrete roofs are often flat or low-sloped, which can make them easier to install and maintain than other types of roofs.
Types of Solar Panels for Concrete Roofs
Concrete roofs are waterproofed so that water will not leak into the cavity of the building works. To maintain this waterproofing, it is advisable to not penetrate into these roofs but rather add weight (ballast/concrete blocks) to keep your solar system down.
Ballast systems
The purpose of our Ballast systems is to keep the weight added to your concrete roof as low as possible. To achieve this, the effect of the upward wind force must be minimised to ensure the required added weight for keeping the structure down is also in turn minimal. This is done on the Ballast systems with the following specifications:
- Panels orientated in a landscape layout for minimum exposer
- Offer in 10 and 15 degree tilt angle
- Add friction pads for horizontal resistance
- Optional wind deflector plates to prevent wind from blowing under panels
Railed
Easier to install
More expensive
Robust and integrated
Allow for higher tolerances “European”
Railless
Installation is more strenuous, but easier as you move along
Cheaper
Less robust, but still stable
Absolute flat surface needed “American”
Angled systems
If the added weight magnitude onto your concrete roof is not an issue you can opt to use one of our Angled systems For this you will lay concrete pavers/blocks/lintels direct on your roof, and not on the system as the Ballast solution above. You will have to install vertical threaded rods into these concrete units, something like rawl bolts or chemical anchors. Note that we can put you in contact with concrete suppliers who sell the block with the already fitted threaded rod. Our Angled system will then connect to these threaded connections as per the attached assembly guides. Angles are offered in 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 degrees, or in adjustable 15 to 25 degrees.
Railed
Panels on a rail system, which in turn sits on the angles.
Cheaper
Portrait
Railless
Panels are independent, each on 2 angles.
More expensive
Landscape
Conclusion
Solar systems are not physically connected to flat concrete roofs but rather held in place with added weight. Axe Struct offers a Ballast system that requires minimum added weight, and an Angle system when added weight is not an issue.
Choosing the right type of solar panel for your roof depends on several factors, including your budget, roof space, and the climate in your area.
No matter which type of solar panel you choose Axe Struct is South Africa’s leading solar mounting manufacturer can advise you on the best option, explaining each of its unique advantages.
Consult with us to ensure that your solar panel mounting systems are precisely what you need to maximise the Earth’s natural resource, the sun!
