Solar Panels On A Flat Roof
Looking for expert installers for solar panels on your flat roof? At The Skill Group, we specialise in installing solar panels and battery storage systems tailored specifically for flat roofs. Our experienced team meticulously integrates the solar panels onto your roof structure, ensuring a secure and efficient installation that helps you save on energy bills while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of your property.
Flat roofs offer unique advantages for solar installations, including a greater flexibility in panel placement and the potential for optimal sunlight exposure. We utilise our extensive experience to customise our solutions, considering factors such as roof materials, weight distribution, and drainage systems. Our process includes a comprehensive assessment of your flat roof to identify the best configurations for maximum energy generation. Trust us to provide a seamless solar panel integration that benefits your home or business.
To learn more how we can help you, give us a quick call on 0330 165420 or click the button below for your free solar quote.
Can Solar Panels Be Fitted To A Flat Roof?
Yes, you can install solar panels on the flat roof of your home or business. We have successfully completed hundreds of flat roof solar installations, but there are some challenges to consider. Before proceeding with the installation, we carefully assess the following factors:
Parapet walls and shading: Ensuring that no obstacles block sunlight.
Roof condition and strength: Evaluating the roof's integrity to support the system.
Water pooling: Checking for potential drainage issues that could affect the installation.
Access for cleaning and servicing: Ensuring safe and easy access for maintenance.
Planning permission: Determining if any permissions are needed for installation.
Best direction and optimum pitch: Identifying the ideal orientation and angle for maximum efficiency.
By addressing these considerations, we ensure that your solar installation is both effective and reliable.
What are the benefits of installing Solar Panels on a flat roof?
Easy to Install
The installation process is generally simpler on flat roofs due to easy access and minimal structural adjustments required. This can lead to lower installation costs.
Longer Lifespan for Equipment
Installing solar panels can protect the roof from weather elements, potentially extending its life and reducing the need for repairs.
Better Energy Production
With adjustable mounting systems, solar panels on flat roofs can be angled and fitted at any orientation to capture the maximum amount of sunlight, increasing energy production.
Cooling Benefits
The presence of solar panels can provide shade, reducing heat absorption by the roof surface, which can lead to lower cooling costs for the building.
Aesthetic Flexibility
Flat roofs can allow for creative and smart solar panel layouts that do not interfere with the visual appeal of a building, maintaining attractive architecture.
Less Vulnerability to Debris
Flat roofs tend to accumulate less debris and are less affected by fallen leaves, which can block sunlight, compared to sloped roofs.
What are the types of flat roof systems?
Weighted Modular System
A solar flat roof module system is made for flat roofs and consists of pre-made solar panels. Its design uses weight to keep the panels in place, which means it doesn't need to pierce or change the roof distributing the weight evenly across the roof structure. This makes installation easier, lowers the chances of water leaks and the extremely strong system wont move even in the strongest winds.
The modular design allows for easy expansion, seamlessly integrating additional components or functionalities without disruption. This flexibility not only helps in optimising overall performance but also allows for cost-effective upgrades and modifications.
Combination Systems
A solar panel combination system integrates both flat and pitched roof mounting systems to maximise solar energy capture and efficiency. Typically, the flat roof sections are equipped with adjustable mounting systems that optimise the angle of the panels for sunlight exposure, while pitched roofs allow for traditional fixed mounting. This hybrid approach enables properties to benefit from solar energy regardless of roof type, making it an ideal solution for buildings with diverse architectural features.
By utilising both roof styles, these systems can significantly increase energy generation potential, leading to reduced electricity bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
How Do We Install Your Solar Panel System?
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Step 1 - About You
You are the most important part of this process. During this step will find out what you are looking to achieve, your property details, current energy usage, and how much you are looking to invest in your solar panel system. We will explain how the system works, the different types of solar panel systems that are available and the different types of battery storage systems.
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Step 2 - Survey
We can do this in person or remotely by using Google Earth and photos. During this part of our process, we are looking to fully understand everything about your property, particularly the construction materials and methods of the roof elements. We will identify the optimum position, type and number of solar panels.
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Step 3 - Recommendation
Based on everything we have discovered about you and your home we will recommend the most suitable solar system. It will illustrate the total cost, installation time and potential savings that could be made. We will also show you why we have chosen the system and offer alternative specifications based on cost or performance.
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Step 4 - Final Checks
If you are happy to proceed we will complete our final checks. We may need to visit your property again to complete a structural report that identifies roof loadings, suitability of fixings, identify the location for the inverter or battery packs, and check the health of your current electricity set up.
Next, we will arrange a booking date, order the scaffolding and the chosen components.
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Step 5 - Installation
We will erect the scaffolding a few days before we start installation and complete our safety checks. Installation can take between 3-5 days depending on the size and complexity and we will update you at the end of each day. Our work is completed in line with Part A of the Buildings Regulations and Part P Electrical Compliance for the new AC circuit wired to the solar inverter.
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Step 6 - Guarantee & Aftercare
Before leaving your home we will ensure your solar installation is safe against the elements including leaks from water. We will provide you with instructions on how to use and monitor your systems and what to do if there is an emergency. Next we will register your system with the grid and identify the current best provider for the Smart Export Guarantee. We will issue you with the Manufacturers product guarantee and our work comes with an insurance backed 10 year guarantee.
Considering solar? Our experienced team will work with you to assess your property, design a customised solar panel system to suit your needs while handling your installation with precision and care. To get your free personalised quote, please fill out the form below!
Need help with your Feed in Tariff? Drop us an email at sales@theskillgroup.co.uk, or call us here!
We look forward to hearing from you!
Request Your Free Flat Roof Solar Panel Installation Quote
Is It Worth Installing Battery Storage Alongside Your Solar Panels?
At The Skill Group, we highly recommend incorporating solar battery storage into your solar panel system. By combining solar panels with battery storage, it eliminates the need to solely depend on grid electricity and gives you the ability to buy and store energy when its at its cheapest using a smart energy tariff. You also get to take advantage of selling your energy with the SEG Scheme.
Interested in installing a solar storage battery or want to learn more? Click here to visit out Battery Storage page!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, your roof remains waterproof after solar panel installation if done correctly by professionals. At The Skill Group, we securely mount solar panels with brackets and seals to prevent water ingress.
We will assess your roof's condition beforehand to address any issues, maintaining its waterproof integrity. Our trained team ensures the installation does not compromise the roof structure. Properly installed panels can even enhance protection from the elements.
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Yes, when fitting solar panels, it is necessary to drill into the roof to secure the mounting brackets. These brackets are essential for holding the solar panels in place and ensuring they are safely attached to the roofing structure. Our experienced team at The Skill Group takes great care to properly seal any drill holes to prevent leaks and maintain the integrity of your roof. We use high-quality materials and techniques to ensure a secure and lasting installation. If you have any concerns about the process, feel free to reach out to us for more information, give us a call on 0330 1655420 or email us on sales@theskillgroup.co.uk.
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Solar panels are built for durability and can handle considerable wind, with testing standards from organisations like the IEC. They are securely mounted to roofs or ground structures with specialised brackets to stay in place during storms, this is why it is important to have your solar panels fitted by trust professionals.
While solar panels can endure wind with panels being installed by professionals, regular maintenance and inspections help ensure security and efficient operation.
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Yes, your gutters will work with solar panels installed on your roof. Panels are mounted above the roof, allowing water to flow freely. Professional installation will ensure gutters remain unobstructed. Regular maintenance of both solar panels and gutters is advised to prevent debris build-up. With proper care, your gutters will function efficiently with the solar system.
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Solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight efficiently for electricity production. For specific reflection concerns, feel free to give us a call on 0330 1655420 or email us on sales@theskillgroup.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help!