Going Solar? 3 Reasons Flush Mount Installation Is Best

Perhaps you're interested in solar panels for your home. However, you have questions, which is only natural.  One question I hear often is whether the panels should be tilted on the roof.  Let's look at that.

Flush Mount vs. Tilt - What's the Difference?

The goal of tilting a panel is to maximize the sun's energy by raising the panel off the roof and angling it toward the sun. The panel can be fixed or adjustable and will resemble the look of a sail on the mast of a boat. Flush mount installation means the panels run parallel to the roof, following the roof's natural angle. They are fixed and do not change the appearance of the roofline.

3 Reasons to Go Flush:

• Wind Implications: Wind passes through the space between the panels and the roof. Tilted panels have more space between the two which allows for greater uplift and downdraft forces during extreme winds causing potential damage to the roof. More equipment is also needed for tilted panels to ensure they stay put.

• Cost: Additional equipment for tilted panels leads to higher costs. An engineer is also required by a city's building department which not only adds to the cost but the time it takes to get approval for installation.

• Aesthetics: Many people find tilted panels unattractive. They disrupt the natural angle of a roof and can stick out like a sore thumb. Of course, function is important in energy savings, but an additional flush panel can be just as effective as a tilted panel protruding from the roof, while preserving the original design of your home.

Conclusion

At Solar 4 Planet A, we strive to work with the existing architecture of your home in order to create a beautiful and effective solar installation. Our mission is to help you go solar in the best way possible for you and your home. Contact Andrew today to work through your questions together!