Is it okay to install photovoltaic panels on the roof of a primary school

Do you need planning permission to install solar panels on your roof?

An increasing number of people are investing in solar energy. More and more homes are having solar panels, or solar tiles, installed on their roofs. Of course, with such installations, the topic of planning permission and building regulations often comes to the surface.

Where should a photovoltaic system be installed?

The ideal place to put a photovoltaic system is on the rooftop, as it’s generally the spot most exposed to the sun and would otherwise be unused space. But which types of roof are suitable for solar panels? The first step is to make sure you own your roof.

Can solar panels be installed on a combustible roof?

In general terms, solar panels should not be installed on combustible roofs unless some form of fire protection can be installed between the panels and the roof e.g. concrete panels or pebble ballast. 3. Location of solar panels

Can solar panels be installed on a flat roof?

You can have solar panels on a flat roof, but they need a specialist mounting system to raise them to a suitable angle and provide ballast. Designing the system also requires a compromise between packing the available space and leaving room for shading between rows of modules.

Can you put a solar panel on a thatched roof?

Thatched roofs are not suitable for solar panels. There’s no mounting system designed for thatch, which wouldn’t be ventilated well enough underneath the panels and so would rot. And given that thatched roofs already present a fire risk, putting an electrical system on top wouldn’t be sensible!

How many solar panels can be installed on a roof?

Your roof will need to be large enough to fit a suitable number of solar panels, as there’s rarely much point putting just two or three panels up there. The average solar panel takes up 2m², and your installer should leave around 40cm on each side of the array, as well as 3cm between every panel.