Photovoltaic panels can be stand-alone on the roof or other place exposed to the sun, or they can be fully integrated into the building.

On this page:

• Independent or roof-mounted systems
• Integrated systems

Locate the solar panels where they:

• can achieve the optimum orientation and tilt angle to the sun
• have least shading
• can be supported to resist static and dynamic loads acting on the structure
• are as close as possible to the electricity storage system or electricity consumer to reduce power losses in the network
• provide the least visual impact – if viewed as unattractive.

Photovoltaic solar panels can be:

• set up independently or fixed to the roof or wall of the building
• integrated into the building as part of the structure or cladding.

Independent or roof mounted systems

Solar arrays can be sited on the ground, a bank or garage, but if space is at a premium, the roof is a good solution.

Rooftop panels can be partially or fully integrated into the roof surface. Care needs to be taken around the edge of the system to ensure the structure remains weathertight.

When added to an existing building, the panels may not fit easily on the roofline and may be limited to the available suitable roof space.

Generation capacity is reduced in high temperatures, so arrays require airflow around them to help keep them cool and maintain electricity output, and on metal roofs, to allow regular washing to prevent corrosion. (Solar panels need to be kept clean to maintain optimum output.)

Integrated systems

A building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panel is integrated into or fully replaces a building element, such as roofs, walls, skylights or awnings. They are not currently common in New Zealand and are expensive compared to standard domestic wall and roof claddings. To a degree, the system output is limited by the orientation of the building and the angles of the various building elements.

Integrated photovoltaic systems can be:

• partially integrated with special mounting structures for the solar panels – they require an extra waterproofing layer
• fully integrated where they act as solar panels and also provide all the required building element functions of strength, weathertightness and durability.

One roofing option is to use solar tiles, which have an integrated solar panel, to replace conventional tiles on the roof. Semi-transparent panels allow some dappled light through and can replace glass skylights or transparent plastic roofing.

Integrated wall photovoltaic systems have solar panels located on the vertical plane. Their effectiveness depends on the latitude. With more southern locations, they are more viable as the sun is lower in the sky, and more solar energy can be absorbed. Cost and aesthetics are other key considerations.