More and more homeowners are installing solar panels to meet their own (green) energy needs. The expectation is that in the coming years, there will be a full commitment to installing solar panels on facades, roofs, along roads, and at sea, among other places. Solar panels must be used intelligently to reduce energy poverty and, consequently, to achieve climate goals.
There is a lot of potential to be gained from installing solar panels on the roofs of Owners' Associations (VvE) and housing associations. In practice, organising solar panels on communal roofs proves to be complicated.
Resident support is the starting point for installing solar panels on communal roofs. Involving the residents is essential throughout this entire process. After all, it remains a communal roof. The process is made smoother if the right knowledge about installing solar panels reaches all residents, taking into account the technical level of each resident. You will notice that when knowledge about solar panels (installation), costs, yields, and individual energy consumption reaches the residents, support for adopting solar panels also grows. Furthermore, there are other factors that influence the installation of solar panels. A number of these are described below:
- The available (roof) space
The exact space (in m2) available and suitable for the installation of solar panels. This concerns the space on sheds, garden, balcony and extension with, of course, good sun exposure. Based on the dimensions, it can be calculated how many panels can be installed at most, provided the (roof) structure allows it.
- The load-bearing capacity of the roof
Solar panels come in various sizes. The greater a solar panel's power output, the larger the solar panel will be. This also means that the larger the panel, the heavier it is. On average, one panel weighs 23 kg. When installing multiple panels, it is advisable to have the roof's load-bearing capacity calculated by a structural engineer. Based on the dimensions and load-bearing capacity, you can precisely calculate the maximum number of solar panels that can be installed on the roof.
- Future maintenance
Solar panels typically have a warranty period of 20-25 years, but in practice, they last much longer. Solar panels are on the roof for a long time, and removing them is expensive. Therefore, before installing solar panels, it is also advisable to consider the technical condition of the roof. This is not only good for the load-bearing capacity of the roof but also for (future) maintenance. In many cases, it is better to carry out roof maintenance first, and then install the panels. This is for cost-effectiveness and also for the load-bearing capacity of the roof.
- The common room
Within a complex, there is an individual and a communal area. All energy used in the entrance, hallway, stairs, terrace, and lift falls under the communal area. The energy for this can be generated using solar panels. This process is less complex. Owners' associations (VvE's) and housing corporations can already take a big step in providing these areas with green energy. The long lifespan of solar panels, combined with current energy prices, has significantly shortened the payback period.
Do you have any (further) questions about the communal roof structure, increasing the support for your own tenants, and/or about practical applications of installing solar panels on a communal roof? Send us an email: groen@power.local or fill in the form below.