I have a standard 4/12 pitch roof which is about 18 degrees. Using the calculators I have determined my fixed angle would be about 30 degrees with a summer angle being around 12 degrees and a winter angle around 50 degrees. If I was to go with a fixed angle of 30, the rail would need a way of changing the angle 12 degrees. I have looked at a couple of popular rail systems and they don't seem to have addressed this need.
I will be installing 8 panels in portrait which means having the horizontal rails mid panel making hinging the panels more difficult. i.e. if I tip the panels up, the bottom edge would likely be touching the roof, which would mean raising both rails. It would take more rail and cable length to go landscape, but I wouldn't have the issue with tipping the panels. I have the roof space to go landscape or portrait.
Another thought on the issue makes me wonder if the angle should be optimized for the highest usage months,i.e. June, July and August. If I took that approach, the roof pitch of 18 degrees is closer to the summer angle and might be better than trying to go with the suggested fixed angle of 30?
Thanks!
Lew
I will be installing 8 panels in portrait which means having the horizontal rails mid panel making hinging the panels more difficult. i.e. if I tip the panels up, the bottom edge would likely be touching the roof, which would mean raising both rails. It would take more rail and cable length to go landscape, but I wouldn't have the issue with tipping the panels. I have the roof space to go landscape or portrait.
Another thought on the issue makes me wonder if the angle should be optimized for the highest usage months,i.e. June, July and August. If I took that approach, the roof pitch of 18 degrees is closer to the summer angle and might be better than trying to go with the suggested fixed angle of 30?
Thanks!
Lew
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