Stop worrying that your roof suitability in UK is not strong enough to hold solar panels on your house? You’re not alone. Most of the homes in the UK are suitable in the solar, but all the roofs are not suitable. This guide will take you through the key factors that will help to determine a roof that can effectively hold the solar panels.
The importance of Roof Suitability
The UK homes contain a huge number with roof pitches ranging between 30deg and 50deg, hence posing great opportunities to install solar systems. Still, you do not have a perfect roof, but with appropriate structure and technology, it is possible to use solar energy. Knowledge of the roof nature guarantees the maximum energy generation and efficiency in the long-run.
Roof Orientation: Which side to face your roof with?
Your roof has a high dependency on the direction your roof is facing in the exposure to sunlight and production of energy.
- South-facing roofs: These work best in the Northern Hemisphere, where they receive maximum sunlight throughout the day.
- East-facing roofs or west-facing roofs: Both are still valid, east-facing panels have the advantage of the sun in the morning, and west-facing panels of the sun in the afternoon, and this way will give them consistent energy production.
- North-facing roofs: Not so good, producing an approximate of 55 percent of the power as compared to south-facing roofs. It is possible to compensate the decreased light levels with the help of high-performance panels and microinverters.
When your primary roof is not suitable, other places such as garages, workshops or garden rooms can also be effective place holders of the solar panels.
Roof Pitch: Strictly Speaking
Solar installations are normally favored to use pitched roofs:
- Best angle: Approximately 35deg to ensure year round performance.
- Steeper angles: Could produce a higher amount of energy during summer but a very little during winter.
- Flat roofs: Solar panels on flat roofs are typically installed at a 15–20° tilt using adjustable mounting systems, which can be set up to 60° to maximize sunlight exposure.
Such flexibility can enable solar panels to be effective even on not-so-good roofs.
Construction and Materials of the Roof
Most roofing materials used in the UK—such as concrete tiles, slates, and rosemary tiles—are compatible with solar panel systems. The trick here is that you install certified mounting systems that suit your roof.
Unsuitable materials: The following are not the materials that can be used as solar panels.
- Thatched roofs (high fire risk)
- Roofs (health hazard) Asbestos.
- Glass ceiling (weaknesses in the structure)
MCS-certified mounting systems are durable and secure, ensuring your solar panels remain firmly in place even during strong winds and harsh weather conditions.
Roof Shading
The trees, near buildings, or structures can cause a lot of shading which decreases the solar output.
Solutions include:
- Pruning or cutting off shading trees where feasible.
- Fitting panels with low light optimisation.
The expert roof evaluation will assist in detecting the problem of shading and suggest the most appropriate method.
Roof Conditions: Is your roof Ready?
When assessing roof suitability in the UK, note that aged or deteriorated roofs may need replacement within 10–20 years.
Companies may face the expensive procedure of removing and installing panels on a roof that is almost reaching the expiry of its life.
Hack: Have your roof replaced or repaired first before installing your panels to prevent future cost and to have a reliable and long term base to your panels.
Roof Size: Is This Space Sufficient?
The number of panels that can be installed depends on the available roof space.
If your roof is small:
- High efficiency panels are to be considered.
- Find out about decoration on garages or sheds.
To ensure that you achieve the best configuration on your objectives of energy, your installer will survey your roof and decide the most appropriate configuration.
Roof Mounting Options
On-Roof Mounting
Panels will be mounted over the roof. Benefits include enhanced heat removal, reduced construction effects, faster and less expensive installation.
In-Roof Mounting
Tiles that are integrated into the roofs.
- Pros: smooth outlook, perfect when one wants to replace roof.
- Considerations: performance in hot weather may be affected by higher costs and a slight reduction in airflow.
Flat Roof Mounting
Panels mounted on frames or tubs are angled and positioned to face the sun for optimal energy generation. It should be planned based on the distribution of weight and wind uplift.
Both types of mountings have their advantages and disadvantages. Process is based on the budget, roof, and the aesthetics required.
Planning Permission
A majority of the UK solar installations are under the category of permitted development and do not need planning permission.
Exceptions include:
- Listed buildings
- Flat roofs or maisonettes
- Areas where the development right is not allowed.
Before installation begins, your surveyor will confirm whether the installation meets approval requirements.
You can also check Solar Energy UK for up-to-date guidance on UK solar regulations and planning permissions.
Final Thoughts
Most homes in the UK are suitable for solar panels, especially those with well-maintained, south-facing pitched roofs.
Even homes with non-ideal or flat roofs can accommodate solar systems using adjustable mounts or high-efficiency panels.
Proper planning and checking roof suitability in the UK will enable your roof to produce clean energy, save on electricity payments, and cut down on the volume of your carbon footprint.
Next Steps:
- Measure your roof direction, gradient and the size.
- Shading and roof condition of check.
- Professional Survey Consult an MCS-certified installer.
Solar energy has never been more available and taking the first steps towards solar energy could be the best decision you can make with your house and the planet.
