Hello everyone,
We are at the beginning of our house planning and we like hipped roofs.
The development plan (for a weekend area) allows only 75 m² (807 ft²) of footprint and a maximum roof pitch of 30 degrees on the main roof surfaces.
Does anyone know of a tool that allows planning how large the surfaces of a hipped roof can be for a given footprint and roof pitch? For the trapezoidal sides of the hipped roof (south-facing), I would like to use the maximum 30-degree pitch, as I want to install photovoltaic panels there (positioned on east/south/west sides).
I hope an online tool could give me a better idea of how big the roof surfaces might be, as I want to calculate how many (or how few) photovoltaic panels could fit, and whether the combination of a hipped roof and a photovoltaic system even makes sense for a small footprint.
A few more details:
Footprint: approximately 9 x 8 m (9 m (30 ft) on the trapezoidal side of the roof)
Slope: planned as a full story, a garden level, and a basement
South-facing orientation
Free of shading
Additional planned surfaces for solar modules with a double carport (also free of shading) and possibly a garden shed
We are at the beginning of our house planning and we like hipped roofs.
The development plan (for a weekend area) allows only 75 m² (807 ft²) of footprint and a maximum roof pitch of 30 degrees on the main roof surfaces.
Does anyone know of a tool that allows planning how large the surfaces of a hipped roof can be for a given footprint and roof pitch? For the trapezoidal sides of the hipped roof (south-facing), I would like to use the maximum 30-degree pitch, as I want to install photovoltaic panels there (positioned on east/south/west sides).
I hope an online tool could give me a better idea of how big the roof surfaces might be, as I want to calculate how many (or how few) photovoltaic panels could fit, and whether the combination of a hipped roof and a photovoltaic system even makes sense for a small footprint.
A few more details:
Footprint: approximately 9 x 8 m (9 m (30 ft) on the trapezoidal side of the roof)
Slope: planned as a full story, a garden level, and a basement
South-facing orientation
Free of shading
Additional planned surfaces for solar modules with a double carport (also free of shading) and possibly a garden shed
Malle Zwabber21 Feb 2025 11:47For us, the combination of a hip roof and photovoltaic system was somewhat challenging. In the end, we managed to find a quite reasonable solution and installed a total of 11.2 kWp on the roof.
4 modules on the east side and 24 modules on the south side.
We actually still have the option to install an additional 18 modules on the west side. However, we have decided not to do so for the time being.
4 modules on the east side and 24 modules on the south side.
We actually still have the option to install an additional 18 modules on the west side. However, we have decided not to do so for the time being.
We also have a small house with a hipped roof.
I believe it measures about 10.2 x 8.2 meters (33.5 x 27 feet), plus the roof overhang, with a 25° roof pitch (25° slope).
We have now installed 32 modules on all four sides. Due to the low roof pitch, even the north side is worthwhile.
I believe it measures about 10.2 x 8.2 meters (33.5 x 27 feet), plus the roof overhang, with a 25° roof pitch (25° slope).
We have now installed 32 modules on all four sides. Due to the low roof pitch, even the north side is worthwhile.
G
gerrygerd21 Feb 2025 16:51Tolentino schrieb:
No knee wall at all? That would be unusually strict. Does it explicitly say that, or does it just say there is no knee wall and that two full stories are not allowed?Regarding knee walls and full stories, the development plan is quite clear:1.2.1 Roof structures (e.g., cross gables, dormers) and knee walls are not permitted.
2.1.6 One full story is allowed.
I once heard that a hip roof costs about 8,000 EUR (approximately 8,000 USD) more than a gable roof. After your post, I’m reconsidering whether a gable roof might be the better choice after all. I’m also planning to install solar panels on the double carport roof. It faces south (not shaded), which would complement photovoltaic panels on an east-west gable roof nicely.
And yes, you’re right: you could fit one more panel on the trapezoidal side.
G
gerrygerd21 Feb 2025 16:58ypg schrieb:
In my opinion, garden-level floors are the basement levels mentioned; there isn’t another basement below them.Here is a sketch from the development plan: ground floor, lower ground floor, and basement levels are possible. I previously referred to the lower ground floor as the “garden level.” G
gerrygerd21 Feb 2025 17:02Musketier schrieb:
We have now covered all 4 sides with 32 modules.With our somewhat smaller floor plan of about 9x8 meters (30x26 feet), I would only fit 22 modules on four sides. Are your modules smaller than 1.1x1.7 meters (3.6x5.6 feet) by any chance? Do you happen to have a photo handy where the photovoltaic system can be seen?
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