Solar PV - Triangular Shaped Panels?

[DaveFix]

Does anyone make triangular shaped pv panels?

I couldn't find any, but surely there would be a huge market for them as they could utilise the limited space on hipped roof semis far more efficiently?

 

[jj4091]

I would think that because the pitch of roofs can vary so much there would need to be too many different angled triangles to make it viable to manufacture them. Perhaps a manufacturer might make a bespoke batch if an estate developer requested a large enough quantity of them.

 

[Adam_151]

Perhaps a manufacturer might make a bespoke batch if an estate developer requested a large enough quantity of them.

Hope not - It'd be a nightmare if a replacement was ever needed!

 

[Why Not Indeed]

It seems "obvious" that they would be a great idea but as I have never seen any IRL and you can't find them online, then they probably don't exist. As such, they apparently aren't such a great idea. They will probably appear as the manufacturing costs come down.
I guess they would have to go on their own string as well as panels on a string need to be as electrically similar as possible for highest efficiency.

 

[DaveFix]

I guess they would have to go on their own string as well as panels on a string need to be as electrically similar as possible for highest efficiency.

You could still use the same triangular panels throughout, but have two where you would normally have a single rectangular panel. So only one string should be required.

Since solar panels shouldn't be placed too close to the roof edge, 45° triangular panels should still suit the typical 40°-50° UK roof pitches.

 

[FrodoOne]

See https://metsolar.eu/customization-options/