Hello everyone,
We would like to install photovoltaic panels on the roof of our new build.
Now we are trying to decide which roof shape to choose. Visually, we slightly prefer a pyramid roof.
I also think that compared to a hip roof, it could be somewhat cheaper since there is less roof surface area, although I have read conflicting opinions on this -> pyramid roof = more expensive.
I can also imagine that with a three-sided installation, a more even energy yield could be achieved.
The clear advantage of a hip roof is obviously the large south-facing side.
However, in summer, the system might overheat and shut down.
Could it therefore be better to have a less optimal orientation but a broader and more even yield?
We are building in the north, near Braunschweig, in case that is relevant.
I would be very grateful for your help and experiences.
Best regards
Judyyy
We would like to install photovoltaic panels on the roof of our new build.
Now we are trying to decide which roof shape to choose. Visually, we slightly prefer a pyramid roof.
I also think that compared to a hip roof, it could be somewhat cheaper since there is less roof surface area, although I have read conflicting opinions on this -> pyramid roof = more expensive.
I can also imagine that with a three-sided installation, a more even energy yield could be achieved.
The clear advantage of a hip roof is obviously the large south-facing side.
However, in summer, the system might overheat and shut down.
Could it therefore be better to have a less optimal orientation but a broader and more even yield?
We are building in the north, near Braunschweig, in case that is relevant.
I would be very grateful for your help and experiences.
Best regards
Judyyy
That depends.
With a south-facing orientation, you will achieve the highest overall yield, but this peaks sharply depending on the time of day. It is ideal for feeding energy back into the grid.
If you expect to use most of the electricity yourself, an east/west orientation makes more sense. The absolute yields are lower than with a south-facing orientation, but they are more evenly distributed throughout the day, allowing household electric appliances to use the solar power more effectively.
However you look at it, I would definitely not base the choice of roof type on this detail alone.
With a south-facing orientation, you will achieve the highest overall yield, but this peaks sharply depending on the time of day. It is ideal for feeding energy back into the grid.
If you expect to use most of the electricity yourself, an east/west orientation makes more sense. The absolute yields are lower than with a south-facing orientation, but they are more evenly distributed throughout the day, allowing household electric appliances to use the solar power more effectively.
However you look at it, I would definitely not base the choice of roof type on this detail alone.
Thank you for your confirmation.
How much loss should be expected with a less than “optimal” orientation? I could probably accept 10-20%, but anything above that would be a no-go. The heating will be done with a ground source heat pump, which might also be relevant.
This might not fit here, but could someone perhaps explain the cost difference between the two roof structures?
Best regards
Judyyy
How much loss should be expected with a less than “optimal” orientation? I could probably accept 10-20%, but anything above that would be a no-go. The heating will be done with a ground source heat pump, which might also be relevant.
This might not fit here, but could someone perhaps explain the cost difference between the two roof structures?
Best regards
Judyyy
To my knowledge, this is generally in the range of 10-15%. However, this is always theoretical and depends on the specific arrangement on the roof, influenced by factors such as possible shading from trees, chimneys, and so on.
What is unacceptable should be calculated rather than estimated if the photovoltaic system is intended for investment purposes.
I cannot provide any input regarding the costs associated with the roof shape. I can only repeat that, in my opinion, there are far more important factors to consider when choosing the roof shape than its optimal use for a photovoltaic system.
What is unacceptable should be calculated rather than estimated if the photovoltaic system is intended for investment purposes.
I cannot provide any input regarding the costs associated with the roof shape. I can only repeat that, in my opinion, there are far more important factors to consider when choosing the roof shape than its optimal use for a photovoltaic system.
There will always be losses due to various factors, such as the type of modules, their age, shading, incorrect (or suboptimal) system design, overheating, precipitation/pollution/snow, and more. Who can reliably calculate all these possibilities?
With a hip roof, it can be difficult, depending on the size, to fit the desired capacity on the roof. A hip roof provides surface area shaped like triangles, while photovoltaic modules are rectangular. Modules with higher power output are exponentially more expensive. Economically, modules with less than the maximum possible capacity per module are often the best choice. It can be a problem, but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether a hip roof is just a trend… that’s hard to predict. Personally, I associate a hip roof with a typical “town villa,” and just reading that term makes me feel mixed emotions. But that’s a matter of personal taste. Build what you like (and what is allowed), or do you really think your neighbors will be disgusted by your house afterwards?
So, what is your real priority here? Is the photovoltaic system the deciding factor tipping the balance of the pros and cons for the roof shape?
With a hip roof, it can be difficult, depending on the size, to fit the desired capacity on the roof. A hip roof provides surface area shaped like triangles, while photovoltaic modules are rectangular. Modules with higher power output are exponentially more expensive. Economically, modules with less than the maximum possible capacity per module are often the best choice. It can be a problem, but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether a hip roof is just a trend… that’s hard to predict. Personally, I associate a hip roof with a typical “town villa,” and just reading that term makes me feel mixed emotions. But that’s a matter of personal taste. Build what you like (and what is allowed), or do you really think your neighbors will be disgusted by your house afterwards?
So, what is your real priority here? Is the photovoltaic system the deciding factor tipping the balance of the pros and cons for the roof shape?
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