Optimally place photovoltaics on the roof and on the facade

Photovoltaics on the roof are part of our familiar image - photovoltaics integrated in the facade are probably not. Here you can find out which roof is suitable for photovoltaics and where else you can use the power of the sun - which in principle provides us with 15, 000 times more light and heat than we need on earth.

An inconspicuous integration of photovoltaics on the roof or on the facade is difficult in many cases because the materials often differ greatly from one another in terms of appearance. Take up the shapes and formats of windows or surfaces and use separate components and parapets to create a harmonious relationship. Here you will find successful and discreet examples of the placement of photovoltaics on the roof and on the facade. By the way: If you are a tenant or you simply do not have the option of installing large-scale solar modules, mini-solar systems may be an interesting product as an element of your power supply.

Solar cells and collectors on the roof

Photovoltaics are usually mounted on the roof. The only requirement: The roof must be able to support the weight and must not be shaded.

• Collectors: For the greatest possible solar yield, point them south. South-east and south-west orientation mean only minor losses, which you can compensate for by more space. The inclination to the horizontal plays a much more important role: 30 to 45 degrees are optimal for heating domestic water; for space heating: 40 to 60 degrees.
• Solar cells: The angle ranges from 0 degrees (horizontal) to 90 degrees (vertical). For fully assembled modules, there is an angle of around 30 degrees in Germany.

believe

Clearly delimited components can be used as mounting surfaces for photovoltaics. It should be noted here that the dormer does not cast any shadows on the collectors.

Roof and winter garden

Depending on the proportion of the roof, strips in the ridge or eaves area are suitable for photovoltaic. On the roof of a winter garden, collectors provide shade in summer, and in winter the deep sun provides sufficient light.

Roof and carport

Contrast program: collectors and solar cells cover entire roofs of the house and carport instead of bricks. Outbuildings can be easily turned towards the sun during planning.

Barrel roof

Even unusual shapes of roofs are suitable for photovoltaics. There are thin, flexible solar cells especially for this.

Photovoltaics on the facade

There are also options on the facade for integrating photovoltaics into the design. But: An inclination of 90 degrees reduces the solar yield by about 20 percent compared to a 30 degree angle. So a larger area is needed here.

Wall and cladding

Loosen up the wooden wall and collect sunlight - through collector surfaces and strips on the cladding.

complement

The power of the sun can also be used on flat carport and garage roofs. To achieve the greatest solar yield, align the solar cells at the most productive angle.

garden

Cleverly placed, you collect energy on your property, for example in an inconspicuous place, on a slope or as a fence. By the way: You can also determine the angle for the photovoltaic close to the facade.

Cladding

If you want to attach photovoltaics to canopies or balustrades, make sure that they are on the sunny side. Otherwise there is no energy.