Rooftop PV: What It Is and How It Works

What Is a Rooftop PV System? How Does It Work?

A Rooftop Solar Energy System (Rooftop PV) converts sunlight into electricity using panels mounted on your roof and lets you prioritise the energy produced for your own self-consumption. This reduces your energy costs while adopting a more sustainable operating model.

Rooftop PV is a self-consumption solution: instead of purchasing all your electricity from the grid, you generate it on site. The energy from the panels first covers your building’s demand; any surplus can be exported to the grid (subject to local regulations for small-scale generation) or stored later. This model is particularly attractive for energy-intensive facilities.

A rooftop PV system is not only economical; it is also a responsible investment. Each megawatt installed avoids on average 600–700 tonnes of CO₂ per year, which strengthens sustainability reporting and brand image.

Today, rooftop PV is widely adopted across:

Factories & Warehouses Shopping Centres & Office Buildings Public Buildings & Schools Residential Homes & Complexes

Adoption is accelerating thanks to shorter payback periods and more accessible financing incentives. With solid engineering and quality equipment, a rooftop PV system can operate for 25+ years.

Roof not suitable? Explore our land-mounted power systems .

How Does Rooftop PV Work?

The principle is simple: sunlight hits the panels and is converted to electricity; the inverter makes this energy grid-compatible. It is used for your consumption first. The steps below summarise the flow.

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1️⃣ Light Capture

Photovoltaic cells in the panels convert light into direct current (DC).

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2️⃣ Inverter Conversion

The inverter converts DC into alternating current (AC) that appliances can use.

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3️⃣ Self-Consumption First

Generated electricity first covers the building’s needs. Your bill drops immediately.

4️⃣ Grid Interaction

Surplus can be exported or netted off in line with local small-scale generation rules.

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5️⃣ Storage (Optional)

Batteries store excess energy for night-time use or during outages.

In short: sun → panel → inverter → internal network → loads. This cycle lowers grid purchases, cuts your carbon footprint, and typically pays back in 4–6 years.

Why Choose Rooftop PV?

It cuts bills in the short term, pays back in the medium term, and strengthens sustainability and brand value over the long term.

To size the right solution for your site, review the SMI Group land-mounted power systems.
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Lower Energy Costs

By meeting self-consumption first, your bill drops immediately. With the right load profile, savings grow fast.

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Reduced Carbon Footprint

Roughly 600–700 t of CO₂ avoided per MW installed per year—a strong lever for ESG and tenders.

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Protection From Price Volatility

Producing part of your energy improves cost predictability even as tariffs rise.

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Site & Brand Value

Switching to green power enhances building value and brand image and helps meet supply-chain requirements.

Rooftop PV Installation Process

A transparent process: site survey and feasibility, followed by design and permits, then mounting and commissioning — with quality checks at every step.

1) Survey & Analysis

Roof & Load Profile

Assess structure, shading, orientation/tilt, and the facility’s consumption profile.

2) Feasibility

Capacity & ROI Scenario

Define installed capacity (kWp), estimate annual yield, and calculate payback period.

3) Engineering

Structural & Electrical Design

Static adequacy, module layout, inverter selection, and single-line diagrams.

4) Approvals & Contracts

Utility / Regulations

File applications for small-scale generation; obtain permits and grid-connection terms.

5) Mounting & Tests

On-Site Works

Structure, cabling, inverter commissioning; testing and quality control.

6) Monitoring & Maintenance

SCADA / Periodic Service

Track production; cleaning and connection checks keep performance on target.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are concise answers to the questions we get most. Details may vary by project.

What is a rooftop PV system?
PV modules installed on the roof produce electricity: it serves self-consumption first and any surplus can be exported in line with local rules.
How does it work?
Light is converted to DC, the inverter converts it to AC; electricity feeds your installation as a priority.
Which roofs are suitable?
Predominantly south-facing, 10–35° tilt, sufficient load-bearing capacity, low shading, and proper anchoring surfaces.
How long does installation take?
Typical mounting is 1–3 weeks; with permits, total duration ranges from a few weeks to a few months.
What’s the payback period?
Commonly 4–6 years depending on load profile and tariffs. Use our mini-ROI calculator for a first estimate.
Are there incentives or loans?
These vary by year and region. Keep an eye on current incentive schemes and financing offers.
Is battery storage required?
Not mandatory. It’s useful to shift night-time use or protect critical loads; it affects ROI.
What maintenance is needed?
Periodic cleaning, tightening and thermal checks, inverter firmware updates; production monitoring via SCADA.
What’s the panel lifetime?
Typically 25+ years; performance warranties (e.g., ~80% at 25 years) vary by manufacturer.
Does shading impact performance?
Yes, but proper string design and optimisers can mitigate it.
How is fire safety ensured?
Correct cable sizing/routing, DC isolators, protection devices, and standards-compliant installation minimise risk.
Can I monitor remotely?
Yes—SCADA/monitoring software provides real-time production/consumption, alerts, and performance reports.
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