Getting rooftop solar panel installation is a common choice among homeowners and commercial building owners to save on electricity bills and reduce carbon footprint. Awareness programs, government subsidies, and different finance options resulted in the huge adoption of different types of solar panels in homes, offices, schools, and other buildings. The advantages of rooftop solar installations are well-documented and well-understood by Indian citizens.
Several solar tech advancements have taken place over the past few decades to make solar power more affordable and highly efficient. In-roof solar systems are modern solar technologies completely different from conventional rooftop installations. If you’re new to these types of solar systems and don’t know how they could benefit you more than on-roof solar panels, then you’ve landed at the right destination.
What are in-roof solar systems?
In-roof solar systems are not only solar panels but solar roofs that can be integrated into the base or can be replaced with an old metal roof. Compared to traditional on-roof solar systems, integrated or in-roof systems appear more beneficial. They are easier to install than other conventional on-roof systems and can be installed in less than a minute per panel because they don’t need metal sheets. You can get their installation as a pergola-type in-roof on unused ground space or on top of the terrace.
No specialist tool is needed for their installation. They are lightweight and fully integrated roofing & solar power systems that can be easily carried. These are the best systems when you are replacing your existing roof or setting up a new roof and want to power up your building using solar energy.
The sleek and seamless in-roof solar systems are becoming a popular choice among people over traditional on-roof solar panels. Designed to future-proof new residential buildings and ensure a pollution-free environment, these systems are creating a new standard for aesthetically appealing contemporary roofing. Integrated or in-roof solar systems are now also launched in India to reduce the requirement for sheet roofing.
Why solar in-roof are better than on-roof solar panels?
In-roof solar systems are the perfect solar solution for large-scale and small-scale applications. You can even get them customized based on your unique requirements, roof styles, and applications. Unlike popular solar panels that are installed on the roof, integrated solar panels are manufactured to be placed amongst roof titles. In-roof solar systems are more beneficial than traditional on-roof solar panels in a number of ways. Let’s understand the differences based on different factors.
Space utilization
Since rooftop solar panels are installed on the roof, the space has one function i.e. to produce enough green and clean electricity. The gap underneath generally remains unusable. This problem is resolved with in-roof solar system installation. These systems create a relaxing and self-powering space below that can be utilized for multiple applications. For example, a small gym and more applications. And the best part is that you can create a completely new floor using in-roof systems without requiring additional permission.
Mounting
Conventional solar panels are placed onto mounting brackets fixed between the roof tiles. The entire heavy lifting is done by rafters, however, fixings are secretly placed under the tiles. The mounting brackets show a free airflow behind the panels to keep them cool and avoid overheating.
In-roof solar systems are placed at the level same as the tiles and work as the primary roof for small as well as large buildings. They are less likely to be affected or damaged due to excessive winds like crack, flex, etc. Compared to on-roof panels, in-roof solar panels are lightweight and can replace a portion of roof titles without adding extra weight.
Efficiency
Traditional solar power systems installed over metal sheets are likely to heat up because there is no air ventilation. So, about 5-10% efficiency of these systems is lost. You can’t expect them to generate as much electricity as you require.
In-roof solar systems, on the other hand, don’t need metal sheets and facilitate proper ventilation by ensuring free airflow. This improves their efficiency by 10-15% more than solar panels installed on the metal sheets.
Cost
The cost of in-roof solar systems is comparatively less as its installation can be done when you are reconstructing your old roof or building a new home. There is less or no need for metal structure with these systems. This may end up saving you a significant amount.
However, when you’re installing traditional solar panels on the top of an old or rusted sheet or metal roof, it can cause damage to the structural integrity. The installers mostly recommend replacing the existing roof before solar installation, which will cost you more. If you want to enjoy cost saving through solar power, then go with in-roof solar systems compatible with all sorts of solar panels and solar inverters.
Design
Stunning designs of in-roof solar systems make them the preferred choice of most customers. Protruding solar panel systems are not aesthetically attractive and don’t enhance the appeal of the home. In-roof solar systems are seamlessly designed with no protruding components.
Thus, you will get a vibrant blue roof that adds special appeal to the beauty of your building. These systems look amazing on a terrace shed and pergola. So, no matter what type of roof styles and designs your building has, you can get in-roof solar installation for all.
Need less area
Installing a 1-kilowatt solar panel would require around 90-110 square feet of ground or roof space with no shade. The reason is that panels have space in between them. On the contrary, in-roof solar systems can be installed in approximately 60-65 square feet of space. These systems can cover about 26% more solar panels in the same space and produce more electricity.
Less maintenance
Since traditional solar panel mounting structures are set up by drilling into the roof structure, any structural damage can cause a chance of leakage. In-roof solar systems, on the other hand, provide an additional layer of protection by acting as a primary roof. They have less possibility of leakage and can easily handle the heaviest rainfall. So, it saves the cost of rooftop solar system maintenance and successfully lasts for more than 25 years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, in-roof solar systems are more eco-friendly, more efficient, and more cost-effective than traditional solar panels. They ensure better space usage and can be installed without requiring lots of shadow-free space. So, if you’re ready to reduce your electricity bills, then get in-roof solar systems featuring both aesthetics and energy efficiency as a priority.