ᐅ How important is a "traditional" roof in the era of photovoltaic systems?

We also dealt with this intensively in 2021.
At first, I was leaning towards metal or sandwich panels. In the end, we chose regular, affordable clay roof tiles. The cost of the roof tiles and battens was actually so attractive that any other option would have involved too much risk and effort.

Make sure the roof measurements match the photovoltaic system. If necessary, the roof overhang should be about 20 cm (8 inches) larger to ensure a proper fit. We fully covered the east/west sides of the roof (distance between eaves and gable approximately 20 cm (8 inches) each).
For ventilation, we combined the individual ducts in the attic so that the vents are not scattered everywhere.

North-facing roof areas can and should also be covered!

Trapezoidal metal sheeting combined with wood fiber insulation would also be a viable solution.

For a 14x14 meter (46x46 feet) house footprint, I would recommend orienting the roof (good decision to choose a gable roof instead of a hipped roof!) east-west to achieve more even sunlight exposure throughout the day.

Tolentino schrieb:

For a 14x14 meter (46x46 feet) house footprint, I would orient the roof (good decision to choose a gable roof instead of a hip roof!) more east-west,

if you can still rotate the roof, and walk toward the gable, you don’t actually see your roof surface at all

tempusfugit schrieb:

Our building project is currently being reviewed by the architect, but I would be very interested in the forum members’ opinions regarding the upper part of the house.
The house (bungalow) has an almost 100% south-facing orientation and will have a roof pitch of about 20 degrees. The roof area is approximately 14 x 14 meters (46 x 46 feet) total with a gable roof [...]
Now the question is, how up-to-date is a traditional roof covering with beaver tail tiles under the panels?
What options would there be if, in 2025, one wants to implement an insulated roof with photovoltaics, prioritizing the most economical solution?

I assume the architect refers to a design consultant from the construction contract partner, and the review means they are trying to align your wishes with their production capabilities?
A bungalow is inherently not the most economical choice, and beaver tail tiles have never been a homeowner’s favourite – so this combination doesn’t quite fit together. Does the "100% south orientation" mean a ridge direction roughly east-west close to 27/09?

Basically, I find a surface-mounted solar module installation on a new build somewhat outdated, but this largely depends on the concept of full surface coverage. In my opinion, a module shouldn’t need a "double bottom," but should be able to fully replace the roof covering function. However, it makes a significant difference whether you are aiming for energy autonomy or simply fulfilling a politically driven minimum requirement. A minimal, token solar installation can be stuck on like a retrofit on an existing roof. For a “serious” solar/photovoltaic roof, I wouldn’t want a makeshift solution. The technology has been on the market long enough to be significantly more advanced than in its early stages. Such a roof module should not even be compared to a rattling bicycle fender.

Zubi123 schrieb:

Make sure that the dimensions from the roof fit the photovoltaics. Possibly make the roof overhang 20 cm (8 inches) larger so that it fits well. We fully covered east/west (distance between eaves and verge roughly 20 cm (8 inches) each).
For the ventilation, we combined the individual ducts in the attic so that fans are not in the way everywhere.

Covering the north side is also possible and even advisable!

From the north, it doesn’t seem to be a black hole or an anti-sun; around noon the sun is in the fifth direction of the heavens.

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11ant schrieb:

I assume that by the architect you mean a planning consultant from the builder’s contracting partner, and by checking you mean that they are trying to align your wishes with their production capabilities?
A bungalow is not inherently the most economical choice, and clay interlocking tiles have never been a favorite among homeowners – so this combination doesn’t quite fit together. Does “100% south orientation” mean a ridge direction roughly W-E near 27/09?

No, it is an architect, and the construction is not being carried out by a prefab house manufacturer or similar. According to the development plan, a bungalow is the only feasible building form (one storey and height limited to about 5.5m (18 feet)). The clay interlocking tiles were preferred by the two roofers contacted so far. I’m not sure what W-E near 27/09 means – is that supposed to mean west-east?

11ant schrieb:

In principle, I find “surface-mounted” solar panel installations on a new build outdated or barely appropriate, but this is largely due to conceptions about coverage. In my opinion, a panel should not require a “double bottom” but should be able to fully replace the roofing membrane. However, as I said, there is a significant difference between someone striving for energy self-sufficiency and someone who is reluctantly fulfilling politically fashionable requirements. A minimum standard “alibi” solar installation can be simply stuck on as an aftermarket application, like on an existing roof. I would not appreciate a makeshift solution on a genuinely serious solar/photovoltaic roof. The technology has had enough time on the market to be significantly more advanced than in its infancy. Such a roof panel should not seriously be measured against a rattling bicycle mudguard.

There’s no black hole or anti-sun in the north; at noon the sun is in the fifth direction.

The north side would also be covered – regarding the in-roof solution, this would certainly be nice and would be the first choice if the budget were unlimited, but the price quote is 500 EUR/m² (SunRoof). I would be very grateful for alternatives. I have seen some DIY solutions using Sika and aluminum profiles to create a watertight roof surface, but those were all in the range of sheds, carports, etc., and not on a house.

tempusfugit schrieb:

No, it is a female architect, and the construction is not being carried out by a prefabricated house manufacturer or something similar. [...] W-O near 27/09 I can't place – is that meant to indicate west-east?

What does it mean then that she is "reviewing" the construction project?
(Aero)nautically, "West" is located on the compass rose at 270° ("27"), and "East" at 90° ("09"), yes.

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