Can you install Solar Panels on a Flat Roof?
This is a question that we have heard many a time, and the answer is YES! Many people dismiss solar panels for flat roofs as they believe they don’t receive enough sunlight to make them a viable option. We are here to tell you that this simply isn’t the case. We believe solar energy should be accessible to everyone, whether it be on your home or at your workplace.
How are Solar Panels for Flat Roofs installed?
When we are approached by a customer asking about flat roof solar panels we firstly explain that as an installer this is not an issue, it simply means we can set our own pitch. The ideal pitch for a Solar Panel is around 15 to 25 degrees off the horizontal as this allows the panels to gain more exposure from the sun throughout the entirety of the day.
Flat roof solar panels are usually mounted onto metal frames that are tilted at the required angle. This is a system that can sometimes be even more versatile than a pitched roof, as it is less reliant on the orientation of the building itself. If there is no shade on the flat roof, the solar panels can be oriented directly south, or set up in an East-West split arrangement.
What are the benefits of Flat Roof Solar Panels?
- Your home will benefit from clean renewable energy
- On a flat roof there is more scope, the installer can make certain that the panels will sit at an angle meaning it captures the optimum amount of solar rays.
- When panels are installed on a flat roof, this can be more discrete and is rarely visible from the road.
- Flat roofs provide easy access, meaning plenty of space for installation and maintenance. This can also reduce the need for scaffolding and make installation easier.
Are there any cons to installing on a Flat Roof?
Only a couple…
- When panels are installed on a flat roof they take up more space per KW that an on-roof photovoltaic system. This is due to the positioning of the panels, there needs to be more separation between rows in order to prevent any shading.
- The roof structure needs to be able to handle the additional weight that comes with the installation of flat roof panels.
What do I need to consider before installing Solar Panels on my flat roof?
Is planning permission required?
As a general rule of thumb, planning permission is generally not required. However, if you are lucky enough to live in a listed building or in a conservation area the recommendation would be to contact your Local Planning Authority before going ahead with your Solar.
Further information about planning permission can be found on the government’s Planning Portal Website.
Does the wind have any impact on Flat Roof Solar Panels?
If there are high winds, this can potentially pose a risk to a flat roof solar system. To combat this potential problem, the panels are fixed to a structure, or in some cases, weighed down. Fixing the panels to the structure does involve securing a support structure and a bracket to the roof. This is a little more intrusive but will provide peace of mind.
What pitch do Flat Roof Solar Panels need to be?
The aim is to catch as much sunlight as possible so solar panels that are mounted onto flat roofs need to be installed at an angle of at least 15 degrees. This also helps keep the panel clean.
SolarTherm UK are MCS accredited installers and our highly trained team will easily be able to ascertain the best pitch for your panels at the time of your consultation. All consultations are free so why not contact us and get a free solar panel design for your flat roof.
Will installing Solar Panels on a flat roof affect my warranty?
It is very important that roof warranty isn’t compromised. We would advise you check this beforehand.
For more information or if you are considering fitting Solar Panels to a flat roof, get in touch with us using the form below, or contact us.
If you are considering installing solar panels on a flat roof, it is best to seek advice on the feasibility and find out what options are best for you. As with any solar panel installation, there are a number of considerations to take into account when installing solar panels on a flat roof.
For most people, solar panels are an investment, and like any investment you need to know you are making the right decisions. Here at SolarTherm UK we don’t use one-size-fits-all solutions – we assess each installation individually and tailor our solutions based on the specific requirements of the customer.
This is particularly true with flat roof solar installations, and we have had a number of customers in the past tell us they didn’t think their roof was feasible as another installer would not install on a flat roof. It is rarely the case that a flat roof simply isn’t viable for solar panels. However, it does require different mounting systems to a pitched roof which is why some installers avoid these jobs.
At SolarTherm UK we have designed and manufactured our own solar panel mounting systems for flat roofs and have used these for residential and commercial installations across the country.
If you are looking to install solar panels on your flat roof, or would simply like more information or advice, get in touch with us on the form below, via email, or our live chat! Or just call us on 01268 552 868. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
