Solar Panels on Slate Roofs – What You Need to Know

Slate Roofs and Solar Panels

Solar panel installation has become increasingly popular, allowing households to reduce their reliance on the National Grid by generating their own energy. While asphalt, metal, tile, tar and gravel roofs are typically the best for solar panels, it’s also possible to install them onto a slate roof. So here’s what you need to know.

Can You Have Solar Panels on a Slate Roof?

Many people choose to cover their rooftop in slate. This is because it looks attractive and can improve the exterior appearance of a property. That said, it’s more brittle than other building materials such as tile – so is it a strong enough candidate for solar panels? The answer is yes. While the process can be slightly trickier, an experienced solar energy company will have no trouble installing solar panels on a slate roof.

Do You Need Planning Permission to Put Solar Panels on Your Roof?

In most cases, installing solar panels onto a slate roof does not require planning permission as it falls under ‘permitted developments.’ This is the case so long as panels aren’t installed above the ridgeline and project no more than 200mm from the roof or wall surface. As slate roofing is a feature of many listed buildings, you may need to look into the planning permission rules a bit further. For example, if your property is a listed building, solar panel installations are likely to require an application for listed building consent. It’s also worth checking all installations with the local planning office.

Solar panels for swimming pools are also popular, helping to heat the water through a specialist thermal heating system. But again, check all planning permission rules for commercial buildings as many rules need to be followed. For example, panels should be at least one metre from the external edges of the building. Kent solar PV installation experts are fully clued up with all the rules and will get the job done once any necessary planning permission has been received.

How Are Solar Panels Installed Onto a Slate Roof?

Special care and attention is given to solar panel installation on a slate roof. For example, there should be no drilling through slate tiles. This is because slate is brittle and can crack easily. You might crack the top course of slates you’re working on or the course underneath that you can’t see or access. This can cause problems down the line. The section that has been drilled can also allow water to seep through which is not safe. Contact a solar PV specialist in Kent to get the job done properly.

Installing solar panels should be straightforward. Solar PV maintenance is simple too, so why not get the ball rolling today? You’ll save money on your energy bills and could potentially increase the value of your property. This is because many people are on the lookout for eco-friendly homes that will be affordable to run.