Can solar panels be installed on all building types?

There are two main options for installing solar panels on a property, either on the roof or mounted on the ground. This blog focuses on rooftop solutions for commercial buildings and explores which building types are suitable for installing rooftop solar panels, along with some of the main things to consider when installing rooftop solar panels.

What type of roof?

Most roof types can support solar panels. Many innovative mounting systems have been developed to fix solar panels to almost any roof surface, including pitched roofs such as metal trapezoidal, standing seam and tile/slate roofs. Additionally, flat roofs, both PVC membrane and bitumen, are suitable and there are also mounting options for green roofs. Believe it or not, you can even fit solar panels on a thatched roof!

So, in short, pretty much any roof can accommodate solar panels, although there are numerous other factors to consider when retrofitting a solar array on to an existing rooftop.

Park Plaza's curved rooftop space

Structural considerations

One of the most important factors is the orientation and angle of your roof. For optimum performance, solar panels should ideally be installed on a south-facing roof with an angle between 30 and 45 degrees. However, if your roof faces east or west, or if the angle is slightly different, solar panels can still be installed, but the mounting design may need to be optimised to maintain system efficiency. Even panels on north-facing roofs with a shallow pitch can generate energy all year round.

Another aspect to consider is the condition of your roof. Before installing solar panels, it is important to ensure that your roof is in good condition and can support the weight of the panels. If your roof needs repair or replacement, it is best to address those issues before installing solar panels. At Eden, we are able to offer funded (PPA) solutions which can also include the installation of a new roof at the same time as the solar array.

Other factors such as roof access and obstructions e.g. vents, skylights, and AC units will affect the viability of a roof and the system price, particularly if the system is to be installed with best practice safety considerations being properly addressed. Again, this is something all of Eden’s system designs will specify and itemise.

Planning and regulatory considerations

Generally, any solar panel installation under 1MW is permitted under permitted development rights (PDR) without any additional consents required. However, there are exceptions to this, notably listed or heritage buildings, but other factors such as location and roof type may also impact the PDR status.

In addition to planning approvals, there are building regulations to consider, which regulate the solar panel installation’s impact on the building structure, environment and safety, not to mention the need to comply with electrical regulations.

This can sound like a minefield, but at Eden our design and development process routinely address the legal and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that due consideration is given sufficiently early in the process to ensure the installation process proceeds smoothly, without any unnecessary delays, or nasty price shocks!

Conclusion

Rooftop solar is now a very established technology, with solutions available for all roof types, buildings, and locations. However, there are many considerations to address to ensure that a commercial solar array will be optimised for your needs, and that the entire process will proceed smoothly.

Eden Sustainable routinely guides clients through the design and installation process using over a decade’s experience at the fore of the industry. If you’re thinking about making the switch to a more sustainable energy future, then contact us via our website and we’d love to help you unlock the benefits.