Is it okay to install photovoltaic panels on the roof of my hometown

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 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.

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.

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!

Do solar panels need to be installed at the same time?

The solar panels do need to be installed at the same time as the green roof, however, since the mount is fitted underneath the growing medium to weigh it down. On the plus side, the transpiring vegetation keeps the panels well ventilated. Thatched roofs are not suitable for solar panels.

Can a UK roof support solar panels?

As long as your roof is pitched, has enough unshaded space, and doesn’t contain spray foam insulation underneath, it should be suitable for solar panels. The large majority of UK roofs are more than capable of supporting solar panels for as long as you need them to.