Sizing
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in South Africa?
A suitable SA residential roof is usually structurally sound, largely unshaded, and preferably north-facing with enough clear area for the array you want. East/west roofs still work — expect a flatter daily curve. If the roof needs waterproofing, asbestos remediation or major structural work, fix that first (or mount on a carport / ground frame) rather than trapping a bad roof under panels.
Updated 26 October 2026 · Africa/Johannesburg
What a site survey checks
- Orientation and pitch; shading from trees, gables, water tanks, neighbours
- Clear area after edge setbacks and walkways (~2.2–2.6 m² per modern 450–550 W panel as a planning rule)
- Roof covering type (tile, IBR, slate) and clamp / rail method
- Age and waterproofing — leaks under an array are expensive
- Structural capacity for dead load + wind uplift (engineer input on older or light roofs)
Red flags
- Asbestos cement sheets that must be handled under hazardous-material rules
- Heavy permanent shade through midday
- Body corporate refusal on common property without a plan
Space maths: How much roof space? · Panel count: How many panels?
Related answers
Sources
- Typical SA installer survey practice (orientation, shade, structure) — confirm with your quote’s site visit notes
- Roof-space planning ranges used on this desk for 450–550 W modules
Need a quote that matches this answer? Structured briefs for SA installers.