For rooftop installations, what sort of a roof is required?
A flat roof or a sloping roof is acceptable. However, in case of a sloping roof, the slope should preferably face the south for the regions in the Northern Hemisphere. The solar modules are usually mounted above the roof using special brackets, mounted at an incline depending on the latitude. The pitch and alignment of the roof does affect the energy yield. Its influence is often overestimated. A solar energy system aligned to the East or West with a roof pitch of 30 degrees will still provide 80% of the maximum output as compared to that which is aligned to the South. The greater the deviation of the surface from the South, the better it is to use a flatter tilt angle. The most important factor is to avoid shadows being cast on the solar modules. There will be a significant detrimental impact if trees, aerial masts, power cables or gabled dormer windows deprive the modules of light.
