solar roof systems

A rooftop solar power system, or rooftop PV system, is a photovoltaic (PV) system that has its electricity-generating solar panels mounted on the rooftop of a residential or commercial building or structure.

The various components of such a system include photovoltaic modules, mounting systems, cables, solar inverters and other electrical accessories.

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Rooftop mounted systems are small compared to utility-scale solar ground-mounted photovoltaic power stations with capacities in the megawatt range, hence being a form of distributed generation. Most rooftop PV stations are Grid-connected photovoltaic power systems. 

Rooftop PV systems on residential buildings typically feature a capacity of about 5–20 kilowatts (kW), while those mounted on commercial buildings often reach 100 kilowatts to 1 Megawatt (MW). Very large roofs can house industrial scale PV systems in the range of 1–10 Megawatts.

Solar Panels have been in the market for a long time compared to solar shingles and tiles. Panels are put atop your roof which you need to reinforce because of their additional weight. However, some roofing materials are brittle like the clay tile roofs. The best roofing materials you can use for solar panels are concrete tiles, asphalt shingles, and metal roofs. 

Solar shingles are easier to install as they are the same size as the common shingles, they are more durable as they are part of the roofing system and since they are also a roofing material, it is more efficient as it takes more sunlight in different angles. The well-known companies that deliver quality solar shingles are Tesla, CertainTeed, SunTegra, and Luma.

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The following section contains the most commonly utilized components of a rooftop solar array. Though designs may vary with roof type (e.g. metal vs shingle), roof angle, and shading concerns, most arrays consist of some variation of the following components

Solar Panels produce carbon free electricity when irradiated with sunlight. Often made of Silicon, solar panels are made of smaller solar cells which typically number 6 cells per panel. Multiple solar panels strung together make up a solar array. Solar panels are generally protected by tempered glass and secured with an aluminum frame. The front of a solar panel is very durable whereas the back of a panel is generally more vulnerable.

Mounting clamps generally consist of aluminum brackets and stainless steel bolts that secure solar panels to one another on the roof and onto the rails. Clamps often vary in design in order to account for various roof and rail configurations.

Racking or rails are made of metal and often lie in a parallel configuration on the roof for the panels to lie on. It is important that the rails are level enough for the panels to be evenly mounted.

Mounts attach the rails and the entire array to the surface of the roof. These mounts are often L brackets that are bolted through flashing and into the rafters of the roof. Mounts vary in design due to the wide range of roof configurations and materials.

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Flashings are a durable metal plate that provide a water resistant seal between the mounts and roof surface. Oftentimes, caulk is used to seal the flashing to the roof and it resembles a metal roof shingle.

DC/AC wiring for inverters connect wires between panels and into a micro inverter or string inverter. No cables should touch the roof surface or hang from the array to avoid weathering and the deterioration of cables.

Micro inverters are mounted to the bottom of the panel and convert DC power from the panels into AC power that can be sent into the grid. Micro inverters allow for the optimization of each panel when shading occurs and can provide specific data from individual panels.

Here are some advantages of solar roof systems:

  • Energy-Efficient - Renewable and Free Energy
  • Lessen Electrical Bills
  • Durable & Less Maintenance 
  • Weather Resistant including snow and ice-melting
  • Reduces Fossil Fuel Use; Eco-Friendly 
  • Sleek and Modern
  • Easy Installation 

Conclusion

Swadley Roof Systems offers the best roofing services in the Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Dallas area.