How We Do It

Fitting Photovoltaics to Flat Roofs

Flat roofs have an advantage in that we have more control over the direction to set the modules, and at the best angle of inclination on preformed (recycled) plastic 'consoles'.

However, the roof needs to be large enough and the parapets low enough to prevent shading at times of low sun. This situation means that adequate spacing (1 - 1.5m) must be kept between rows of consoles so that they don't shade each other.

The consoles are much like small council grit bins weighed down with ballast inside them for stability, and they require no fixing, which is an obvious benefit on flat roofs.

The PV modules simply bolt onto the angled top of the consoles.

The consoles need to weighed down with as much as 112kg of ballast depending on building height and console size. As a general rule, if you can walk safely on the roof then it should be strong enough. If you are unsure of the strength of the roof you should have it checked by a structural engineer.

Where a new flat roof is being laid, timber up-stands can be bolted onto the (water-proofed) roof structure, then waterproofed over themselves. This will give us a strong mounting point with no need for heavy ballast on the roof. The angle and size of the stainless steel mounting plates is determined by the system layout and aesthetic requirements of the client. This type of mounting is especially useful for flat roofs with limited area (e.g. a loft extension) where we need to minimise wasted space between rows of modules.