Can Solar Panels Be Installed On A Flat Roof?
Daniel Bracewell • 13 April 2021
We are all much more aware of how our energy usage can adversely affect the environment, and many people are looking to use more renewable energy sources. One such method is to install solar panels on your roof.
Whether your home has a flat roof, or you’re looking to create a power supply to a garden office or outbuilding with a flat roof, it is still possible to use solar panels. We have a look at some of the benefits and how to install them for maximum efficiency.
There are some considerations to bear in mind when installing solar panels on a flat roof. The array of panels needs to be pitched to ensure it captures as much energy from the sun as possible, as well as needing to be able to self-clean when it rains, and also avoid damage in high winds.
What are the benefits of flat roof solar systems?
As well as installation considerations, there are many benefits to be aware of too:
• Flat roofs provide easy access and plenty of room for installation and maintenance
• This type of system is rarely visible from the street. So neighbours are less likely to complain about it being an eyesore.
• You can receive the government’s Feed-in Tariff if your system is installed by an MCS certified company.
• You can choose from several different types of solar panel.
• It provides you with a greener, more sustainable, form of energy.
Do you need planning permission for flat roof solar panels?
Generally speaking, you should not need planning permission, as long as your installer follows a specific set of guidelines, as laid out by your local council, but it is strongly advised to contact your area’s Local Planning Authority to ensure you are doing everything correctly.
If you’re looking for a flat roof specialist in Stockport, talk to us today.
If you’re exploring how to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, you may be looking at the likes of solar panels for your home. But what if your property has a flat roof rather than a pitched roof? Can you still install solar panels on a flat roof? The short answer is yes, you can! In fact, it is often easier to install solar panels on a flat roof than it is to fit them to a sloped roof, which might make this an even more appealing avenue to explore when you’re looking at flat roof ideas . In many cases, you also don’t need planning permission to install solar panels on your flat roof. Of course, there are exceptions if you have a listed building or live in a conservation area, but if you own your house (different rules apply for flats too), you should be free to add solar panels to your home as you choose. There are different kinds of mounting systems for flat roof solar panels and which is most appropriate for your home will depend on the direction it faces. It is worth noting that the cost of installing solar panels is often higher on flat roofs because of the mounting system, but some of this can be offset by the lower labour costs because the installation process is usually more straightforward. One of the main reasons homeowners install solar panels is to reduce their energy bills. Many report savings of hundreds of pounds each year, which means these panels often pay for themselves relatively quickly. What’s more, under the Smart Export Guarantee , you can sell any energy you don’t use back to the National Grid, which can increase the rate at which your investment in solar panels pays for itself. So, if you are exploring ways to make the most of your flat roof, consider solar panels as an option to reduce your energy bills and do good for the environment.
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