Anordnung von Solarmodulen auf verschiedenen Dachtypen für optimale Solarenergieerzeugung

Accurately estimating the potential solar capacity of a roof is essential for any solar installation project. This process typically involves four key steps:

1. Determining the roof type and suitable panel layout: This crucial first step considers factors like roof material (concrete, metal sheet, pitched) and structural constraints to identify the optimal panel arrangement.
2. Estimating the usable roof area: This involves measuring the roof and accounting for obstructions like chimneys or vents.
3. Calculating the projected area of panels based on the tilt angle: The angle at which panels are installed impacts the area they cover, which is crucial for energy production calculations.
4. Factoring in shadows from surrounding obstacles: Nearby trees, buildings, or other obstructions can cast shadows on the panels, reducing their efficiency.

This article focuses on the first step, discussing common solar panel layouts and how they apply to different roof types for optimal solar energy harvesting.

I. Common Solar Panel Arrangement Types

Understanding common panel layouts is essential for determining the optimal arrangement for your roof. Generally, solar panels are arranged in two primary ways:
Landscape Orientation: Panels are installed with their longer sides horizontal, as seen in the first image.

Portrait Orientation: Panels are installed with their shorter sides horizontal, as depicted in the second image.

II. Panel Layout for Walkable Concrete Roofs

Walkable concrete roofs offer greater flexibility for panel installation due to their higher load-bearing capacity. Some common arrangements include:

1. Single Row Landscape: A single row of panels installed horizontally, typically suitable for smaller roofs or when maximizing space is not critical.
2. Double Row Landscape: A common arrangement for concrete roofs, with two rows of panels installed side-by-side. This configuration allows for optimal tilt angles for maximizing energy production.
3. Four Row Landscape: This layout, commonly seen in large-scale solar farms and open terrains, utilizes four rows of panels installed horizontally.
4. Single Row Portrait: This arrangement features a single row of panels installed vertically and is often employed depending on the available roof space and potential shading factors.

   5. Vertical double row

The final decision of utilizing landscape or portrait orientation depends on a thorough assessment of the usable roof area and other project-specific factors during the detailed design phase.

III. Panel Layout for Non-Walkable Concrete Roofs

Non-walkable concrete roofs have lower load-bearing capacity, restricting the installation of panels at optimal tilt angles due to the increased weight load. Therefore, these roofs often utilize:

• Ballast Mounting System with Low Tilt Angles: Panels are mounted on weighted bases and installed at shallower angles (typically 5-10 degrees) to minimize structural stress.
• Landscape Orientation: While portrait orientation is possible, landscape orientation is more common on non-walkable concrete roofs due to load distribution and potential clearance issues with parapets.

IV. Panel Layout for Metal Sheet Roofs

Metal sheet roofs, often used for pitched roofs, require specific considerations for panel installation:

• Elevated Mounting: Panels are raised slightly above the roof surface using specialized mounting hardware.
• Spacing for Ventilation and Thermal Expansion: A gap of 10-25mm is maintained between the panels and the roof to facilitate airflow for cooling and accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the materials.
• Typically South-Facing: Panels are primarily installed facing south for optimal solar exposure. However, east-west configurations can be utilized to maximize space utilization, though this might necessitate the use of multiple MPPT trackers for optimal energy harvesting.

V. Panel Layout for Pitched Roofs

Pitched roofs, similar to metal sheet roofs, can accommodate solar panel installations with specific considerations:

• Optimal Tilt Angle Installation: Pitched roofs inherently provide a degree of tilt. Additional adjustments can be made to achieve the optimal angle for maximizing solar energy capture.
• Spacing for Ventilation and Thermal Expansion: Similar to metal sheet roofs, spacing is crucial for ventilation and accommodating thermal expansion.

VI. Panel Layout for Residential Roofs

Residential roof installations share similarities with commercial installations but require greater flexibility due to limited space and diverse roof designs. Optimizing panel placement and utilizing various orientations become crucial for maximizing energy generation.

Schlussfolgerung

Choosing the correct solar panel layout for your specific roof type is paramount for efficient solar energy generation. Factors such as roof material, load-bearing capacity, potential shading, and available space play a crucial role in determining the optimal arrangement.