How does a rooftop solar system work?

How Rooftop Solar Systems Work At the heart of a rooftop solar system are solar panels, which are designed to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. These panels consist of photovoltaic cells, typically made of silicon, which generate a flow of electricity when exposed to sunlight.

What is a rooftop solar system?

These systems consist of solar panels installed on the rooftops of buildings or other structures, converting sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. One of the primary advantages of rooftop solar systems is their ability to generate clean and renewable energy directly at the point of consumption.

Can rooftop solar panels meet our energy needs?

We have published research by the UCL Energy Institute into the true potential for meeting our energy needs if we made full use of the rooftop space available for solar panels across the country.

How do solar panels work on a flat roof?

Solar panels work best when angled towards the sun, so panels on flat roofs are normally tilted up to help maximise energy production. It’s important that any solar panel system maintains the integrity of the roof covering to keep it watertight. For this reason, many systems are weighted down rather than fixed through the roof covering.

Will my roof generate solar energy?

Realistically, your roof’s solar generation potential will be less than that. It’ll likely still exceed your typical household energy needs, but real-world constraints like roof space, sunlight exposure, and equipment specifications play a huge role in your panels’ actual generation.

Should solar panels be installed on a south-facing roof?

Ideally, your solar panels will be installed on a south-facing roof at an angle of about 30°. These are the optimal conditions for solar panel production. The closer you get to this, the more electricity your panels produce. Solar panels with a larger power-to-size ratio will produce more electricity per square foot.