If you have an extension or a garden room with a flat roof, you can help offset your carbon footprint by installing solar panels. Flat roofs are not truly flat and have a slope to allow for rainwater to run off, which also makes them ideal for solar panel installation.

Whether you want to help the environment and reduce energy bills at home, or you want to make your business more eco-friendly, such as newly installed solar panels at Milton Keynes hospital, which claims has reduced its emissions by 20 per cent, we have a look at what you need to know about installing solar panels on a flat roof.

1. Research

You should carefully consider the options available for mounting solar panels on flat roofs. Speak to an expert energy engineer to get the best advice on how to go about installation.

2. Tilted panels or not

Your solar panels can be tilted or not. This can be an important factor in the design of a successful solar panel system. The optimum tilt and orientation of your solar panels will determine energy production, so take advice on the best position and orientation to maximise energy production.

3. Keeping the panels clean and free of debris

Installing solar panels at a tilt of around 3 to 4 degrees will be best to help keep the solar panels clean when it rains. Panels installed horizontally will not have the same ability to self-clean as tilted ones.

Dust and debris accumulation can interfere with electricity generation by up to 10 per cent. Solar panels installed with just a slight angle will have a better chance of being washed clean by the rain.

If you’re looking for flat roof specialists in Manchester, get in touch today.