Comparison
| Item | Standard (low) structure | Elevated structure |
|---|---|---|
| Height | ~0.3–1 m | ~2–3 m clear |
| Terrace use | Mostly lost under array | Fully usable underneath |
| Shading from tanks/parapets | Common problem | Usually avoided |
| Cooling / airflow | Moderate | Excellent |
| Bifacial gain | Low | Higher |
| Wind design | Simpler | Needs bracing and good anchoring |
| Cost | Base | +₹8,000–₹15,000 per kW (typical) |
| Cleaning access | Easy | Needs a safe ladder or walkway |
When elevated is worth it
- You use the terrace for drying clothes, gatherings, plants or kids' play.
- Tanks, stair headroom, parapets or neighbours would shade a low array.
- You want a shaded, cooler terrace and top floor in summer.
- You're considering bifacial modules.
How we build them
Galvanised steel columns stand on concrete pedestals rather than being cut into the slab, protecting waterproofing. Rafters and purlins carry the modules at a fixed south tilt, and diagonal bracing ties the front and back rows together against pre-monsoon storms. See examples on our projects page and the elevated structures service.
When standard is fine
- Open roofs with no terrace use.
- Industrial and metal-sheet roofs.
- Tight budgets where every rupee should go into generation.