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PV System Options

EvoEnergy’s team can help you discover the different types of Solar PV Systems suitable for your building. We are happy to help and support you throughout your project whatever stage it may be at or however big it is.

In order to help you decide which type of Solar PV system would be best for you, EvoEnergy has put together a comparison chart covering all of the top options available for use on your project. See our PV Case Studies for examples of these different types of installation system.

Solar PV System Comparison

Solar PV System Solar PV System Image Advantages Disadvantages
On-Roof
Solar PV
System		 Solar PV On Roof
  • Can retrofit onto any roof
  • Good value for money
  • The panels are naturally ventilated
  • Generally, no planning permission is required
  • Most efficient type of solar PV system available for buildings
  • Positive visual impact
    • Difficult to get planning permission for these PV systems in conservation areas
    • Look like an add on to a building rather than integrated design
      In-Roof
      Solar PV
      System      		 Solar PV In Roof
      • Integrated with roof and therefore visual impact compared with an on-roof PV system is lessened
      • System lies completely flush with the roof
      • Good value for money
      • Does not require a re-roof
        • More expensive than on roof PV systems
        • The solar panels are still visible and look like solar PV panels
          PV Tile
          System          		 Solar PV Tiles
          • These PV systems are preferred by some planning authorities, no planning permission is required for most areas
          • Easy to fit
          • Reduced visual impact compared with other PV systems
          • Planning permission is still required for conservation areas
          • Expensive
          • Reroof is needed
          • Slightly less efficient than on-roof PV systems
            Flat-Roof
            Mounted
            Solar PV
            System            		 Solar PV Flat Roof
            • Can be aligned for optimum orientated and tilt
            • Naturally ventilated
            • Does not require a reroof
            • Efficiency is comparable with on-roof PV systems
              • Always requires planning permission
              • Extra cost due to frame
              • Must be designed carefully so PV panels do not shade one another
              • Extra weight on building from the frame
                Ground
                Mounted
                Solar PV
                System                		 Solar PV Ground Mounted
                • Not limited by roof size
                • Can be aligned for optimum orientation and tilt
                • No roof required
                • Larger PV systems possible
                  • Always requires planning permission
                  • Extra cost due to frame
                  • Electrical trenching is required