Solar energy has quickly become a significant part of sustainability and energy efficiency strategies for businesses globally, including the UK. Installing solar panels on a pitched roof offers a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution for harnessing renewable energy. However, when planning a commercial solar installation on a pitched roof, there are various aspects that architects, contractors, and building owners must consider to ensure long-term success.
Kevin Taylor, Training and Technical Support Manager at Marley, explains the key considerations for architects to bear in mind when installing solar panels on pitched roofs.
- Roof suitability and structural integrity
The first step in planning any solar installation is ensuring the roof is suitable for mounting solar panels. A thorough assessment of the proposed plans, including attention to the angle and orientation of the roof is critical to maximise sunlight exposure.
While, more traditional, on-roof systems often add significant weight, integrated systems, such as Marley SolarTile®, offer architects several benefits. These systems not only eliminate the need for additional structural support but can also reduce the overall weight of the roof as they double as a roof covering, replacing a section of tiles.
Along with roof size, additional factors for architects to consider include:
- Pitch: The angle of the roof plays a vital role in energy efficiency. Optimal roof pitches range between 30° and 45° depending on the latitude, with adjustments required for different regions, such as Scotland and southern England.
- Local planning permissions: Heritage or conservation areas often impose strict regulations. Integrated systems can blend seamlessly with existing architecture, increasing the chances of obtaining approvals.
- Energy requirements and usage
Another key consideration is the energy requirements of the building and its occupants. Not all commercial properties have the same energy needs. It’s therefore important to address:
- Solar capacity vs business needs: Energy-intensive operations, such as factories or hospitals, benefit from larger solar arrays. On the other hand, buildings with lower energy consumption, such as schools or retail outlets, may require smaller installations.
- Battery storage: Incorporating solar batteries ensures surplus electricity is stored for later use or acts as a backup during power outages.
- EV charging: With EV adoption increasing, businesses that install charging points powered by solar energy not only meet legislative requirements, such as Approved Document S, but also keep costs down for employees and fleet vehicles.
- Materials and compatibility
When selecting roofing materials for buildings where solar panels will be installed, durability, weight, and compatibility with the mounting system are crucial factors. Pitched roofs with durable clay or concrete tiles are ideal, as these materials are long-lasting and perform well under varied weather conditions.
Marley’s clay and concrete tiles, for example, are certified under BES 6001 and offer Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and optimise performance and environmental compliance. This highlights the importance of using tried and tested products to ensure a robust and reliable solar installation.
- System design and integration
Commercial projects require a thoughtful approach to solar system design. This is especially true where the aesthetics of a building are a concern, such as in boutique hotels or town centres.
Integrated solar PV systems are particularly advantageous for pitched roofs in these cases. These systems are crafted to sit flush with roof tiles, maintaining the visual integrity of the property while ensuring reliable energy efficiency.
- Health, safety, and fire protection
Health and safety should be paramount in every stage of the installation process. UK regulations, such as the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, provide useful guidelines to manage risks effectively. Selecting roof systems that meet ISO 45001 health and safety standards or similar certifications reinforces continuity and compliance, prioritising safety for both installation teams and building users.
- Environmental credentials
Environmental credentials are increasingly vital for businesses looking to address stakeholder concerns and comply with government standards. Therefore, solar systems and other roofing materials that offer EPDs add significant value to projects and can help architects and specifiers make informed decisions regarding a products environmental impact, in the specification process.
Additionally, generating renewable energy onsite reduces reliance on traditional power grids, helping businesses lower their overall carbon footprints and align with sustainability objectives.
Installing solar panels on pitched roofs presents an exceptional opportunity to boost a building’s energy efficiency while reducing its environmental impact. However, success depends on careful planning and informed decision-making at every stage – from structural evaluations and material selection to safety assessments and design integration.
By incorporating these considerations into the decision-making process, architects can ensure their solar installations deliver both immediate operational benefits and long-term sustainability.
For more information, visit Marley’s website.