I'm wondering if there's a method to temporarily install solar panels on my roof without causing any damage or leaving holes behind. I usually charge a battery with a 200W panel, and it's getting annoying to keep it in the yard. My idea was to put it on the roof and run a wire inside to plug it in. However, since I might not be the only one living here in the future, I want to avoid making it permanent. The area can get pretty windy, with gusts reaching 45-55 MPH, so it needs to be secure as well. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
From my experience as a solar installer, if your roof is pitched, then temporary solutions are really tough. There are too many components involved to keep the panels stable. Flat roofs are the better option for ballasted mounting.
You could use zip ties for a temporary solution, but they work best if you're not driving. Plus, they're easy to remove if needed. Just keep in mind that bungee cords and rubber straps tend to wear out quickly in outdoor conditions. A creative idea might be to tighten a bike chain for a more secure fit, and it has a lock that's removable too!
For flat roofs, using concrete blocks as ballast could work without drilling any holes. It’s pretty common in Europe! Just make sure your roof can handle that weight as a permanent load. Have you checked how steep your roof is?
I haven’t measured it yet. It's not super steep, but enough that the idea of heavy blocks feels a bit risky.
But what would you be zip tying to? Asphalt shingles could be tricky.