Planning a solar roof - everything you need to know

Why plan a solar roof at the design stage?
The biggest advantage of early planning is the ability to optimally adapt the entire system to your needs. By opting for a solar roof at the design stage, you avoid later compromises and additional costs associated with retrofitting the finished roof.
Moreover, the modern house consumes more and more electricity. Heat pumps, air conditioning, or maybe an electric car in the future? All this requires a thoughtful approach to energy production and management.
Where to start planning?
The first step is to determine your energy needs. Consider:
- What is the current energy consumption in your home?
- What devices do you plan to install in the future?
- Are you considering a heat pump or an electric car?
Based on this, we can select the optimal installation size. For example, a typical single-family house needs a 10kWp installation, which translates into about 60-70m² of active roof area.
Technical issues to consider
When planning a solar roof, the following are key:
- Orientation of roof slopes relative to the sides of the world
- The angle of inclination of the roof (optimal is 30-45 degrees)
- Potential shading from surrounding buildings or trees
- Predicted roof structure and its bearing capacity
The good news is that eTile solar roofs are lighter than traditional roofing with photovoltaic installation, so they usually do not require reinforcement of the structure.
Choosing the right system
Electrotile offers two basic systems:
eTile Classic - based on sheet metal tile, ideal for houses with classical architecture. It works great on roofs with more complex shapes.
eTile Flat - based on sheet metal for the hem, perfect for modern architecture. Especially recommended for simple, minimalist forms.
Next steps
After preliminary determination of the needs and technical capabilities, the next steps are:
- Consultation with an architect or designer
- Selection of a specific system and its configuration
- Preparation of technical documentation
- Contractor selection and assembly planning
Do you want to know more about the different stages? Check out our detailed tutorials:
- How to choose the power of the installation?
- Technical assessment of the building
- Formalities and permits
- The choice of the performer
Remember that you can always consult our experts to help you through the entire planning process.
Ready to start planning your solar roof? Contact us, we will help you choose the optimal solution.