This is a good option if the house roof cannot support the panels or there is a building with a better roof angle for maximum sun exposure.
Solar panel placement on roof.
Placing panels flush against these types of roofs will mean less electricity production which will lead to reduced solar savings over time.
Usually solar panels are mounted on rooftops but they can also be placed on the ground over parking lots and exterior corridors or even close to walls.
The international fire code 605 11 3 2 4 that states panels modules installed shall be located no higher than 3 ft below the ridge to allow for fire department ventilation operations significantly decreases the attractiveness of residential solar pv because it applies to both sides of a peaked roof.
The exact size of the fire setback depends on the size of the building but for an average sized home each roof section that has solar panels requires two clear 36 inch wide pathways running along the edge of the roof.
Depending on the conditions and setting of the property as well as the amount of energy required any of these positions may provide for maximum sunlight.
Here s what that looks like.
A solar array can be mounted somewhere other than a home s roof it can be installed on a shade free area of the ground or on the roof or wall of another building such as a garage or shed.
If the east or west sides of the roof are free from the shade then these locations may offer increased efficiency.
1 alternative mounting location.