The roof is one of the most important parts of a house, crucial for protecting the home against weather and wind. Our roof, now 40 years old, was starting to look faded, and some roof tiles had begun to crack. We decided not to wait for leaks and potential damage to the rest of the house, as this could lead to costly repairs and further complications.
Choosing the Right Roof Tiles and Solar Cells
We considered several solutions, suppliers, and companies before settling on integrated roof tiles and black flat roof tiles. After thorough research and consultations, we chose Zanda Evo roof tiles, which are flat pigmented concrete tiles. These tiles not only provide a modern and sleek appearance but also fit very well with the solar cells to be installed.
The solar cells, Solar Tiled Roof S108C22 from Solarstone, were selected based on their efficiency and compatibility with our roofing system. The calculations and planning were done by Solintegra, ensuring optimal placement and performance. A total of 172 solar cells were installed: 70 facing east, 40 facing south, and 62 facing west, covering 107 square meters. Each solar cell has a capacity of 108 kWp, resulting in an installed capacity of 18,576 kWp. This setup is expected to produce an annual theoretical output of 15,000 kWh, significantly contributing to our energy needs and reducing our carbon footprint.
The inverter chosen for this system is a Growatt MID 15, known for its reliability and efficiency.
Demolition Process
Byggmester BOB (Bob the Builder) was responsible for the roof replacement and the installation of the solar cells, ensuring that all work was carried out to the highest standards.
The first step in the process was setting up scaffolding around the entire house, with safety as a top priority. This provided a secure working environment for the team and minimized the risk of accidents.
There were quite a few kilos of old roof tiles to be removed. The old roof was removed one side at a time to avoid exposing the entire roof to the weather. This method was particularly important in Stavanger, where rain and stormy weather are not uncommon, even in August. By removing the roof in sections, we ensured that the house remained protected throughout the process.
Underroof Installation
Once the old roof tiles were removed, diffusion-open cardboard and battens were laid to create a breathable underlayer. This helps to prevent moisture buildup and ensures the longevity of the roof. Additionally, a few roofing boards were replaced to address any areas that had deteriorated over time.
Battens were then laid on the counter battens, and the leveling work began. Given the age of the roof, there were many irregularities that needed to be corrected. A level surface is essential for the proper installation of solar cells and flat roof tiles, ensuring both functionality and aesthetics.
Good ventilation under the roof tiles is crucial when installing solar cells. Proper ventilation helps to regulate temperature and prevent overheating, which can affect the performance of the solar cells.
A ventilation concept was also installed at the top of the ridge to ensure good air circulation. Additionally, ventilation behind the gutters was installed to further enhance airflow and prevent moisture and heat buildup.
Roof Tile Installation
Laying the roof tiles went quickly, though it was heavy work with so many square meters to cover. In a house with a hipped roof, there is a lot of work involved in cutting all the corners to fit the tiles perfectly. Despite the challenges, the team worked efficiently to complete the installation.
It was a pleasure to see that the solar cells fit so well with the roof tiles. The integration of the solar cells with the Zanda Evo tiles created a seamless and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Final Touches
The finishing touch was the edge flashing, which provided a clean and polished look to the roof. This final step in the process ensured that all edges were properly sealed and protected.
The roof turned out beautifully when it was finished, combining functionality, efficiency, and visual appeal. We are very pleased with the results and look forward to the benefits of our new roof and solar energy system.