Solar Panel Placement On Roof

Example of a fire setback code in california.

Solar panel placement on roof.

A solar array can be mounted somewhere other than a home s roof it can be installed on a shade free area of the ground or on the roof or wall of another building such as a garage or shed. Usually solar panels are mounted on rooftops but they can also be placed on the ground over parking lots and exterior corridors or even close to walls. 1 alternative mounting location. In the case of a flat roof solar installers will usually opt to use racking systems that mount your panels up at an optimal angle.

Here s what that looks like. The international fire code 605 11 3 2 4 that states panels modules installed shall be located no higher than 3 ft below the ridge to allow for fire department ventilation operations significantly decreases the attractiveness of residential solar pv because it applies to both sides of a peaked roof. If a solar panel is placed on a south facing roof in the northern hemisphere which is shaded by a tree then this can reduce the level of sunlight the solar panel will receive. If the east or west sides of the roof are free from the shade then these locations may offer increased efficiency.

This is a good option if the house roof cannot support the panels or there is a building with a better roof angle for maximum sun exposure.