1. This is something to consider if you want to use your patio roof for solar power

The patio roof is often the only option for installing a solar system, as many houses do not allow the installation structurally. But there are also a few things to consider when it comes to patio roofs.

Due to the lower pitch than on house roofs, dirt and snow deposits are more likely to remain on patio roofs and the solar system. This results in a higher cleaning effort. Flat roofs also generate less energy than those with a steep incline. Also the orientation of the roof to the sun should be taken into account because it has a significant impact on how much electricity can be generated. It is also important to note that patio roofs cannot support too much weight, which is why they are solid make should have.

The following are not suitable for a photovoltaic system:

• awnings
• pavilions
• sun sail

Because they can’t carry the weight.

1.1. These are the advantages of a photovoltaic system on the patio roof

A small PV system cannot supply the entire household with electricity. Overall, however, a patio roof with a solar system can be enormously worthwhile if you add the environmental aspect to the economic one. the solar panels on the patio roof offer even more advantages.

With a solar system on your patio roof:

• generate sustainable electricity
• you can install a charging station for electric vehicles
• Make good use of otherwise unused space
• save on expensive electricity prices and make yourself more independent of them
• you do not need an additional awning or awning thanks to the sun protection provided by solar modules

A solar system on your patio roof combines utility with what makes sense. Because that’s how you can unused space don’t waste it, use it practically to generate electricity. In this way you also make a contribution to protecting our environment. In contrast to conventional energy sources, renewable energy does not cause any emissions during use and therefore has a positive environmental balance.

You can also combine two other advantages. Because the solar module offers protection from the sun and thus ensures a pleasantly cool and shady place under the patio roof in summer, while the sunlight falling on the roof is converted into electricity. If you die economic, ecological and practical benefits together, it quickly becomes apparent that a PV system is also ideal for patio roofs.

Photovoltaic systems on the patio roof offer these properties:

• They are eco-friendly
• They are durable
• They are sturdy
• They are practical

2. Which solar modules are best suited for a patio cover?

The typical PV systems, mostly available in blue, are translucent, but in any case darken them terrace. However, that is exactly what the majority want, because then there are no additional costs for blackout awnings and it is cooler on the terrace in summer.

Glass solar panels on the front and back are an alternative for those who do not want blackout. In such glass-glass modules the solar cell string is located between two clear glass plates. Embedding films on both sides, also transparent, offer additional protection. A big advantage of Glass-glass modules is also that they are extremely durable and are particularly insensitive to different weather conditions. On the other hand, they are often heavier and more expensive than conventional solar modules. See also: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002627141500027X

Another form of solar heating system glass-foil modules These have milky or medium-transparent backing foils, which create a partial shade on the terrace. Compared to modules made entirely of glass, they have the advantage that they are lighter and quickly pay for themselves in economic terms. But the foil models also have their weaknesses. They are not as long-lived and have a lower yield. After 30 years, for example, their additional yield is around 30 percent in relation to pure glass models.

2.1. Solar system without patio roof

If you should decide against a solar system for your patio roof, there is alternativesto generate solar energy. That’s how you can PV systems also attach to the roof of garages or carports if they are properly aligned. If the cardinal point of a house facade offers it, solar modules can even be installed there. The development for such Solar systems in mini format as for normal PV systems, it is ongoing, which is why it could be worthwhile to stay informed and up to date. For example, developments could result in you potentially making financial gains due to government subsidies while protecting the environment.