Incorporating Solar Panels into your Roof

Solar Panel Installers UK • October 21, 2022

With recent hikes in energy prices, we are getting more and more of our customers enquiring about having solar panels incorporated with their roof installation. Wit that in mind, we have put together a list of some important factors to consider when thinking about having solar panels installed on your roof.


The size of your roof is important

The size of your roof will impact the number of panels you can fit on there and as a result, will also affect the size of the system that you can incorporate. If your roof is small, then you have to ask whether the space will be viable to install a sufficient number of panels to see a significant return on investment. Generally speaking, an average roof size of 30m2 will be able to fit around 28 panels on, which is more about enough to power a 5kW system. Roofs under approximately 20m2 in size will typically not be large enough to fit solar panels on.


Consider the age of your roof

The age of your roof is an important factor for consideration when you are looking to install solar. On old roofs, the tiles may be frail, which can cause problems when walking on and installing the solar panel fixing rails. One of the best times to install solar panels is when you are having your roof replaced. This is because you can be confident that the new installation will be fully weathertight and fixed surely with your new roof tiles. In addition, you will be able to utilise any scaffolding that is already up around the property for the roof installation, meaning you won’t have to pay scaffolding costs twice. 

Many customers are concerned about rising energy prices and solar panels are a great way to tackle that

The orientation of your roof

In the UK, Solar panels work best on roofs that are southwest facing. This is because the UK is north of the equator, so any roof facing in this direction will be towards the direction of the sun’s path across the sky. If your roof is southwest facing, then you may see great benefits from solar panels.


Consider what the use of your solar panels will be

Many customers are concerned about rising energy prices and solar panels are a great way to tackle that, but you should also consider the additional benefits that come with PV such as the ability to sell excess electricity back to the grid (solar export guarantee), the ability to store excess electricity (battery storage) and the ability to charge other sustainable technologies such as Electric Vehicle Chargers. The amount of electricity you require will impact the number of panels you need and hence the space available on your roof.


Always factor in maintenance

As with anything in life, solar panels require maintenance. Consequently, you should consider how solar panels will impact the overall maintenance of your roof. At Roofers Nottingham, we recommend having wire mesh guarding installed around your solar panels to prevent the ingress of birds and other roosting species, which can create a real maintenance problem. You should also have a regular programme of cleaning carried out on your solar panels to prevent leaves and dirt build up causing them to become less effective.


Consider the aesthetic impact

Solar panels will have a considerable impact on the look of your property. When deciding on which system to go with, think about whether you want the panels to be sat on fixing rails which protrude from the roof, or whether you want the panels to be integrated into the roof itself. Integrated panels work best when you are having your roof replaced entirely, however the system itself can be more costly and less efficient. It is important in this case to think about which matters most to you – form or function?


If you would like free expert advice on having solar panel installation, contact our partners over at solar panel installers UK, who will be able to arrange a free feasibility survey and provide expert advice. Don’t worry, we will take care of the coordination of the whole process, so that your roof and solar panels can be installed seamlessly, with minimal fuss. Get in touch today and take your first step towards lower energy bills. 

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