Is My Roof Suitable for Solar Panels?

Is my roof structure suitable for solar panels?

The majority of modern UK homes are suitable for solar panel systems. Modern pitched roofs from the 1960’s onwards use a series of trusses, usually these are built to modern standards and allow for the extra weight of solar panels. Older traditional pitched roofs use a large purlin to support rafters, one of our experts will check the dimensions and spans of the purlins against the trusses against NHBC building standards to check the loading of the solar panels. Flat roofs with unknown construction materials will require a report conducted by a structural engineer.

What if my roof has issues?

If you know that your roof has mould, wet, dry or wood worm then these would need to be treated prior to any work starting. Sagging roofs are caused by a failure of the roof structure or unsafe structural alterations and usually show themselves over longer periods of time. These would need to be rectified prior to the installation of solar panels. 

Is my roofing material suitable for a solar panel system?

The material used to cover your roof can have a significant impact on the cost and ability to install a solar panel system, for example although it is easier to install ballast weighted solar panel systems to flat roofs the extra weight can be a major consideration and, in most cases, a structural engineer will need to inspect the flat roof and calculate the loads available.  Slate roofs are suitable for solar panel systems if there are no defects but they are more labour intensive as slates need to be cut to suit.

Which roof types are not suitable for solar panels?

We are able to fit solar panels to the majority of UK roofs, but there are three roof types which Solar Boost will not fit solar panels to. These are roofs that are suspected to or are known to contain asbestos, glass roofs and thatched roofs.  

Roofs containing Asbestos: Health and safety of our installation team is paramount and we will not take the risk of working on roofs known to contain asbestos or suspected of containing asbestos.

Glass roofs: Are too fragile to support solar panels and fixings.

Thatched roofs: Due to the increased risk of fire.

Does the solar panel system have to be on the roof?

If you have a roof type not suitable for roof mounting solar panels then speak to a member of our team as ground mounted solar panel systems may be the next best bet.

Does my roof need to be south facing?

In an ideal world yes but east, west and even north facing roofs pick up solar energy which can be transformed into electrical energy.