The other day, I was up on the roof, installing solar panels. It was a hot day and I was sweating bullets. But I had to keep going; I had a deadline to meet.

I was working on a steep roof and it was really tricky getting up there. The last thing I needed was for my boss to show up and find me screwing around up on the roof.

But as luck would have it, he did show up. And what did he see but me, perched precariously on

the edge of the roof, trying to install a solar panel!

The challenge with this roof was that it was so steep and slippery. But I managed to get the panel installed and my boss was suitably impressed.

So, if you’re thinking of installing solar panels, how your roof type would affect it? Here’s a quick guide to the different types of roofs in Australia and how they can affect your solar panel installation. And also which type of roof is best for an effortless solar installation.

Common types of roofs

First, let’s talk about different types of roofs in Australia. There are four main types of roofs: flat, gabled, hip and skillion.

Flat roofs are exactly what they sound like – a flat surface. They’re usually found on commercial buildings, but can also be found on some houses. They’re easy to maintain and repair and you can walk on them without any problem. However, they’re not ideal for solar panel installation because they don’t have a pitched surface that allows rain and snow to run off.

Gabled roofs have two sloping sides that come together at a ridge, making a triangular shape. They’re the most common type of roof in Australia and are easy to install solar panels on. This is a popular roof in Australia because it provides good ventilation and is easy to construct. Roof tiles are used on most gabled roofs.

Hip roofs have four sloping sides that come together at the top, making a pyramid shape. They’re often found in older homes and can be difficult to install solar panels on.

Skillion roofs have a single sloping side that comes down to the eaves. so they’re essentially a flat roof with one sloping side. They’re commonly found on sheds, garages and carports. They’re relatively easy to install solar panels on, but can be difficult to maintain and repair.

Which roof design is cheapest?

Now that we’ve talked about the different types of roofs, let’s talk about which roof design is the cheapest. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the type of materials used and the complexity of the design.

Flat roofs are typically the cheapest type of roof to build. This is because they require fewer materials and are less complex to construct. However, they can be more difficult to maintain and repair.

Gabled roofs are more expensive to build than flat roofs, but they’re easier to install solar panels on. This is because they have a simpler design and require fewer materials.

Hip roofs are the most expensive type of roof to build. This is because they’re more complex to construct and require more materials. However, they can be difficult to install solar panels on.

Skillion roofs are typically cheaper to build than gabled or hip roofs. This is because they have a simpler design and require fewer materials. However, they can be difficult to maintain and repair.

What is the standard roof pitch in Australia?

The standard roof pitch in Australia is 24 degrees. This means that for every 1 metre of horizontal distance, the roof rises 24 cm. This is a steep roof and can be difficult to install solar panels on.

If you’re thinking of installing solar panels, it’s important to consider the pitch of your roof. A steeper roof will be more difficult to install solar panels on, but a less steep roof will be easier. You should also consider the type of roof you have. A gabled or skillion roof will be easier to install solar panels on than a hip roof.

What is the ideal roof pitch for solar panels?

The ideal roof pitch for solar panels is 30-45 degrees. This is because the panels will be able to capture more sunlight if they’re at a steeper angle. However, a pitch of 30-45 degrees can be difficult to install solar panels on.

If you have a roof that’s less than 30 degrees, you can still install solar panels, but you may not be able to capture as much sunlight. If you have a roof that’s more than 45 degrees, you may be able to capture more sunlight, but it will be more difficult to install the panels.

So which roof is best for solar panels?

It depends on a few factors, such as the type of roof you have, the pitch of your roof and the complexity of the design. If you’re not sure, it’s best to consult with a solar panel installer to get the best advice for your situation.

In general, the best type of roof for solar panels is a gabled or skillion roof. These roofs are easier to install solar panels on and can capture more sunlight. However, if you have a hip roof, you can still install solar panels, but it may be more difficult.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which type of roof is best for solar panels. It depends on a range of factors, including the pitch of your roof, the type of roof and the complexity of the design.

If you’re not sure which type of roof is best for solar panels, it’s best to consult with a solar panel installer. They’ll be able to advise you on the best option for your situation.

Solar panels Perth is one of the leading solar panel installers in Australia. We have a team of experienced and qualified solar panel installers who can advise you on the best type of roof for solar panels. Contact us today to get a free quote.