Are solar panels on a dormer a good idea?
Too heavy and little space
Most dormers have a wooden construction that carries the weight of the roof covering. If you add the weight of solar panels, it becomes too heavy. A solar panel weighs about 20kg. If you install 4 solar panels on a dormer, this makes 80kg. The construction weighs about 120kg and the reinforcement about 30kg. This adds up to a total of 200kg, which is way too heavy for a dormer. Often there's little space too, because we have to take the wind into account. This means that we don't install the solar panels close to the edge, so the panels don't catch wind.
In conclusion: not a good idea
To prevent subsidence of your dormer and damage to your roof, we discourage solar panels on your dormer. We do install solar panels around your dormer. It doesn't matter your roof has more shade due to the dormer. Are you curious about how you can still generate power with your roof? Our experts are happy do design the best solar roof for you.
