Simplify PV projects with Sun Ballast’s PV panels structures for flat roofs
Since 2012, Sun Ballast has been dedicated to providing clients with continuous technical support, both during the design phase and throughout the installation process, alongside its international supply of photovoltaic ballast systems.
When designing a PV system, selecting the best PV structures for flat roofs is essential to ensure the overall quality of the project. This choice extends beyond the type of photovoltaic ballast and must consider numerous factors, including the orientation and tilt of the panels, local weather conditions, roof type and building load limits.
For this reason, Sun Ballast’s Technical Office provides clients with thousands of free technical reports, offering precise calculations for PV ballasts. These calculations simplify all project phases, from design to assembly.
Here are the main parameters considered when selecting the most suitable photovoltaic structures for installation:
- Installation Site Analysis
The first step in choosing the best PV ballast is conducting a thorough analysis of the installation site. Flat roofs offer significant advantages in terms of space and flexibility but also present specific challenges. A key variable to consider is the structural resistance of the roof: it must be ensured that the building can support the weight of all PV system components, including the photovoltaic ballasts and PV modules.
To address this, Sun Ballast offers a wide range of modular and flexible systems designed to adapt to the characteristics of any roof, providing the optimal balance between roof load and resistance to environmental conditions.
- Assessment of Weather Conditions
Wind, snow, and rain can significantly impact the stability of a PV system, so PV structures for flat roofs must be selected with these factors in mind.
- Wind: Photovoltaic structures must ensure high resistance to gusts, particularly on flat roofs that lack natural wind barriers. Sun Ballast’s racking systems undergo extensive wind tunnel testing, offering maximum stability even in highly windy areas.
- Snow: In regions prone to heavy snowfall, additional loads from snow accumulation must be factored in. Calculations for photovoltaic ballasts must account for this to ensure the safety of both the PV system and the building.
- Rain: Proper rainwater management is crucial. Structures must not only prevent water infiltration but also be positioned to allow natural drainage from the roof.
- Selecting the Optimal Tilt Angle
One of the most critical and debated aspects, selecting the ideal panel tilt, is essential for maximizing energy efficiency. Generally, a tilt angle between 10° and 15° balances energy output with stability needs. However, specific building conditions (e.g., landscape restrictions or suboptimal orientation) may require alternative solutions.
Sun Ballast’s PV mounting systems offer tilt options ranging from 0° to 30° (including East-West configurations), enabling the best balance between panel performance and wind resistance in any scenario.
- Choosing the Mounting System
The choice of mounting system depends on the building, module type, and project goals. With over 40 models in its range, Sun Ballast offers practical, robust solutions for any need.
In addition to traditional Single-row systems – allowing flexibility in both length and spacing between rows – Sun Ballast’s catalog includes various photovoltaic ballast configurations suitable for standard panels and larger modules.
For example:
- Industrial-XL, EasyWest, and Mono-XL systems, with side-panel mounting, ensure high stability for the latest-generation panels.
- Sail system maximizes available space, making even small surfaces productive.
Want to find the best technical and economic solution for your next flat roof PV system?
Request a free report from Sun Ballast’s Technical Office!
