Before installing solar panels on your flat roof, you must first obtain permission from the Fire Department and the Department of Buildings. To be able to break from the fire code, you must get permission from the Fire Department. You will need to apply to a variance. While you are able to submit your application in paper form, electronic filing will soon be possible.
Plan before installing
Make sure to plan ahead if your flat roof will be covered by solar panels. You need to ensure the panels are installed correctly and allow enough ventilation. They should also not interfere with the roof's normal functions. The right racking system can maximize the solar energy that you get from your panels.
Installing solar panels on flat roofs can be done in two ways. Either you can mount them directly on the roof, or you can use a ballasted method that attaches them to the roof with weights. You also have hybrid systems which combine both these methods.
Pay attention to wind speed
When installing solar panels on a flat roof, wind speed is a critical consideration. Solar panel installations can suffer from poor performance if they are subject to high wind speeds. If you live in an area with high winds, you should consider increasing the thickness of the racking systems used to install solar panels.
You must know the direction of the wind to calculate the windspeed. ASCE 7-16, Figure 29.3-1, gives the prevailing winds speed and direction for flat-roof buildings. Using this information, you can estimate the weight of your solar panels and the amount of electricity they will generate.
Consider tilted mounting system
For flat roofs, you might consider a tilted mount system for your solar panel. A tilted mounting system for solar panels can help them produce more energy and it can be easily adjusted after they have been installed. In some cases, solar panels that have less than two degrees of tilt may not be covered by warranty companies.
You should also consider whether trees might shade the panels. This can reduce the output of the solar panel. If there are no trees blocking sunlight, a flat roofing option is better. Additionally, a flat roof is visually more pleasing than one with an angled roof.
Plan permission
Before you begin installing solar panels on your flat roof, you should first contact the planning office in your area. This office can tell you if you need planning permission and provide guidance on how to go about applying for permission. The decision will usually be made within eight weeks after the application is submitted. If they find that your plans pose a threat to the neighborhood, they might reject your application. If this happens, you have the right to appeal the decision. To assist you in this process, contact a reliable solar company.
You can start the solar panel installation once you have obtained planning permission. The process is similar to installing solar panels on pitched roofs, but you must follow local planning laws and get the required building permits before beginning work. This will prevent you from causing problems with your neighbors and the council.