Calculate the Materials You Need

Get: Bill of Materials | Structural Verification | Mounting Plan & More

Putting together every part of a solar mounting system can take time. Use the K2 Base planning tool to design your system quickly and accurately.

Send a short message to request access and receive an invitation to the software.

Get Free K2 Base Access

  • Fast | Reliable | Precise – Plan Your Roof on Screen

    Open K2’s Resource Center for webinars, training, tutorials and FAQs. K2 Base lets you compare layouts, prepare your project plan including structural verification, and configure pitched- or flat-roof projects in six steps. Send the resulting bill of materials to receive an individual offer for the required K2 Systems components.

    K2 also offers wall-mounting components and additional solutions.

    You only need a current web browser. Satellite imagery and graphical planning tools are available for your design.

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How It Works in 3 Simple Steps

  • Step

    Send a message saying you want to use K2 Base. You will receive an invitation to the software. The easiest way is via the blue chat icon on the right.

  • Step

    Once access is enabled, open K2 Base and start your personal project plan.

  • Step

    Then send the item list in Excel format via chat to receive your individual offer.

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No Question Goes Unanswered

What structural considerations matter when installing solar panels on a roof?

Your roof must safely carry the additional load of the panels and mounting system, stated here at around 20 kg/m². Roof condition, structure, local wind and snow loads all matter. K2 Base can calculate the mounting-system loads for your location and provide project-specific structural verification. This does not replace a building-structure assessment where one is required; if the roof condition or load-bearing capacity is uncertain, use a qualified structural specialist or roofer.

Is portrait or landscape panel mounting better?

The best orientation depends on the roof structure and the direction of the mounting rails. On many residential rafter roofs, rails run horizontally and portrait mounting often uses less rail per panel. On purlin-based agricultural or industrial roofs, the opposite rail direction can make landscape mounting more economical.

Use K2 Base to compare portrait and landscape layouts for the actual roof. The better option is the one that combines safe fastening, efficient material use and the highest practical panel density for that roof.

What edge clearances should I allow when planning and mounting panels?

Allow sufficient clearance from eaves, verges and roof edges for drainage, fastening and wind loads. Edge and corner zones are exposed to higher wind forces and can require stronger fastening or larger clearances.

K2 Base can calculate wind loads and mounting requirements for the specific roof and location. Roof waterproofing and structural capacity must also be considered. If the roof construction or edge-zone fastening is uncertain, ask a qualified roofer or structural specialist.

What mounting options are available for solar panels on a flat roof or garage?

Two common approaches are used on flat roofs:

1. South-facing mounting at around 25–35°: This can provide high yield per panel, but row spacing is needed to limit self-shading, so fewer panels may fit on the roof.

2. Low-angle east-west mounting at around 8–10°: Panels can be packed more densely, generation is spread more evenly through the day and wind exposure is often lower. This can be attractive where roof area and self-consumption matter.

The best solution depends on roof area, ballast and structural limits, wind loads, shading and the desired generation profile. Compare the layouts in K2 Base for the actual project.