Flat Roof Solar Panels in the UK: Possibilities, Costs & Mounting

You might be wondering, can you have solar panels on a flat roof? Popular belief suggests that flat roof properties are not viable for solar energy systems, but we’re happy to disprove that myth. Flat roof properties are just as ideal candidates for solar panel installations, often even easier to set up than on traditional sloped roofs. 

Mounting solar panels on flat roof properties can take place without any drilling or permanent fixtures. This makes the job of an installer far simpler and faster. Flat roof installations typically don't require any planning permission either. In addition, solar panels are some of the most popular and impressive energy bill slashers available on the renewables market. 

If you live in a flat-roof property and are looking to enjoy solar savings, look no further than Household Quotes UK for the best bargains and trustworthy installers. Instead of spending countless hours on phone calls and online research, simply spend 30 seconds filling out our form and receive 4 free non-binding quotes from our network of trusted professional installers in your area. 

Flat roof properties are increasingly popular in the UK, not just for their modern look, but also because they're easier and cheaper to build than traditional pitched roofs. This makes them ideal for solar panel installation or solar thermal panels as part of a solar water heater system, with absolutely no obstacles to getting started. 

Many flat-roofed homes across the UK are already enjoying the benefits of solar energy. While there are always considerations for any project (like potential shading from nearby structures or roof strength), solar panel installation on flat roof properties comes with advantages that comfortably outweigh the downsides.

Most solar panels on a flat roof can be installed without the need to drill into the roof, thanks to a clever system called ballasting. This is when free-standing solar mounting frames are weighed down with heavy material (gravel, paving slabs, cement blocks), keeping the solar panel system secure and resistant to heavy winds. The solar panel angle is then set by the mounting frame at about 10 degrees for optimum sunlight exposure.

Ballasting has several advantages. It is a far simpler and cost-effective installation than drilling holes, which in turn helps minimise the risk of future roof leakages, and ensures that existing warranties on roof damages aren’t compromised. 

However, some roofs are simply unable to withstand the added weight of ballasting. This means that the solar mounting frame would need to be bolted directly to the roof, which requires some drilling and professional help to ensure everything is properly sealed and watertight. Installing solar panels on flat roof properties this way tends to be more expensive and complicated than ballasting.

Before you decide to go ahead with any installation, it is best to:

Installing solar panels for a medium 3 bedroom house will typically cost between £9,600 - £11,200 for flat roofs in the UK, usually cheaper than installation on traditional sloped roofs. However, several factors affect the final price, including your roof's strength, whether it needs a free-standing or bolted system, and how much energy your property uses.

To help you estimate your costs, we've put together a summary of typical supply and installation costs for solar panel systems based on industry standards.

To help UK homes become more energy-efficient, several grants and schemes are available. One popular option is the ECO4 Scheme, which lets low-income households swap out inefficient heating systems for high-efficiency options like solar panels. This can mean average bill savings of around £290, and for the least efficient homes, as much as £1,600 annually!

Homes with solar panels can also reimburse their costs significantly by making use of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), a solar grant in the UK that allows homeowners to earn money by selling any extra energy they produce back to the national grid. The exact earning per unit of excess energy varies by the supplier, but a typical three-bedroom home with a 4kW system could save around £660 annually on energy bills.

In the UK, the duration it takes for a solar panel system to pay itself off (break-even time) typically ranges from around 10 to 9 years. This naturally depends on factors like the size of your system, how much energy you use, general electricity prices, and any government incentives you benefit from.

The most enticing aspect of solar energy is that all the electricity you generate is essentially completely free! This can see you saving £440 to £1,005 annually, depending on your energy usage and local electricity prices. Another question you might be wondering about is do solar panels increase home value? The answer is yes; solar panels add significant value to your property.

Below we have summarised the expected costs, savings, and break-even points for a range of solar systems to give you an idea of what to expect:

Do these solar savings sound enticing? Through our services, you can gain access to the most competitively priced quotes from some of the most trusted professional installers right in your area. Don’t waste countless hours of your life endlessly researching and vetting installers. Simply fill in our 30-second form and receive 4 free non-binding quotes today!

Given all the hype, you may be wondering; are solar panels worth it? We’re happy to assure you that solar panels for flat roofs are without a doubt a worthy investment for clean, reliable, and long-term energy supply, whether in the UK or anywhere else. 

However as is the case with any investment, there are pros and cons to consider before making a decision. Let's start by having a look at some of the advantages you could expect:

To ensure you have a complete understanding when considering investing in solar energy, let us have a look at some of the associated cons you might come across:

Looking to install solar panels on your flat roof? The decision to go solar is just the start. To ensure that you make the best choice for your property and benefit from solar energy for decades to come, it’s crucial to consult with a professional installer from the get-go to get the best price for the most efficient solar panels in the UK. There are some key factors to consider:

Though easier said than done, researching and vetting for professional installers can see you spend hours of your life swamped on endless web pages and phone calls. To save yourself the headache, let us handle the vetting for you. Simply fill in our 30-second form and receive up to 4 free non-binding quotes from professional installers right in your area within 48 hours.