Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels And Flat Roofs

Daniel Bracewell • 23 October 2023

Whilst the peak of summer is over, there are still plenty of benefits to installing solar panels onto your roof to generate electricity, and with the help of flat roof specialists, you can find the optimal installation to avoid any problems.

Whilst it is more common for homeowners to install solar panels on pitched roofs, it is perfectly possible to install solar panels on flat roofs as well, although there are some factors to keep in mind before they can be installed.

Here are some common questions about flat roofs and solar panels.

Do You Need Planning Permission?

Theoretically planning permission may not be necessary, but in order to enable the panel to generate a meaningful amount of electricity, it is more likely than not it will need planning permission.

Specifically, according to planning guidelines, the solar panels should not protrude more than 200mm above the flat roof, and should not be placed at the topmost point of a building aside from the chimney.

This causes problems for flat roofs because the optimal angle to position the panel would be above this threshold.

Why Do Solar Panels Need To Be Angled?

Typically on a flat roof, solar panels need to be installed at an angle of at least ten degrees but the ideal angle is closer to 35 degrees.

Part of the reason for this is that it allows the panel to be more exposed to sunlight during the day, and the other part is that it enables the solar panel to clean itself of dust and detritus.

Thankfully, most flat roof panels are installed on frames or self-mounted tubs, so they will be at the right angle regardless.

What About Stormy Weather?

Strong winds could potentially be an issue for flat roof panels, so the vast majority are either fixed to the roof using a supporting frame or are fitted to a tub filled with ballast such as gravel.

This means that solar panels are quite heavy when installed, so it is important to check if your flat roof can take the weight.

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Can You Install Solar Panels On A Flat Roof?

by Daniel Bracewell • 10 December 2025

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.