Tilt frames – advantages.
Installation tips for solar panels Sunshine Coast, Noosa and the Hinterland.
Tilt frames for solar panels can be used on roofs where orientation and tilt are less than optimal.
On flat roofs these can be a great advantage as the tilt can be maximised so that electricity production is higher than it otherwise would be.
The energy production estimates for a 5kW system on a flat roof and using tilt frames is shown.
Also shown is the financial benefit over a year and, over a ten year period.
In this comparison I have assumed that electricity prices are increasing at 5% per annum. I have also assumed that 75% of the electricity is used directly in the home and 25% fed back to the grid.
5kW system – installed on a flat roof.
Electricity production estimate:
- Average daily electricity production: – 20.3kWh per day;
- Annual electricity production: – 7,422kWh per year.
Reduction in electricity cost to the household:
- Quarterly: – $390.53
- Annual: – $1,549.39
- Over 10 years: – $14,221.69
5kW solar system – installed on a flat roof using tilt frames to 27 degrees.
Electricity production estimate:
- Average daily electricity production: – 22.6kWh per day;
- Annual electricity production: – 8,239kWh per year.
Reduction in electricity cost to the household:
- Quarterly: – $433.48
- Annual: – $1,719.79
- Over 10 years: – $20,718.31
The cost of a tilt frame kit is usually an additional $25 per panel for tin roofs, for a 5kW system this adds $500 to the initial cost.
Considering the benefits; it’s easy to see why tilt frames are worth the money.
Financial benefit of tilt over non tilt:
-
Quarterly: – $42.95
-
Annual: – $170.40
-
Over 10 years: – $6,496.62
The payback period is around 2.9 years.
And if the price of electricity increases at more than 5% per annum you stand to benefit even more.
Another benefit for tilt frames would be the reduced losses from higher temperatures.
A solar panels output decreases the hotter it gets. If the solar panel is away from the roof surface there is more opportunity for the heat to dissipate. This results in higher output on hot days.
Tilted solar panels also benefit from more self-cleaning. Rainwater running down the face of the solar panel will carry away any debris or accumulated dirt. Where solar panels are mounted flat, the small dirt particles can build up; reducing power output.
All solar panel mounting equipment sold by reputable companies will come with an engineer’s report. This report, which complies with Australian standards for wind loading, ensures that the mounting equipment is sturdy enough to withstand high wind speeds.
At home and energy we only use the highest quality mounting systems available, check out the specs here:
http://www.microsolarsystem.com.au/Product/Roof%20System/flat.asp
So in a storm you can be rest assured the frames will hold the panels to your roof.
For more information on how solar power can reduce energy costs for your home or business, contact us today.