Eyeing solar panels for your slate roof? Discover costs, easy install hacks, and green vibes, all minus the headache.
- Why Slate Roofs Are Special
- How Solar Panels Are Mounted on Slate Roofs
- Does It Take Longer to Put Solar Panels on a Slate Roof?
- How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels on a Slate Roof?
- Things to Consider Before Installing
- Alternatives to Solar Panels: Tiles, Integrated Panels, and Roof Replacement
- The Benefits Outweigh the Challenges
When it comes to going solar, one of the most common questions we hear at Heatable Solar is: “Can solar panels be installed on a slate roof?” It’s a fair question - slate roofs are a classic feature of many British homes, especially older properties, and homeowners naturally want to know if their roofing material is compatible with modern solar technology.
The good news? Yes, solar panels can be installed on a slate roof, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Interestingly, slate has been used in roofing for centuries - records show it was mined in Wales as early as the Roman era, with the industry peaking in the 19th century when it produced over 485,000 tonnes annually.
That heritage makes it a beloved choice, but also one that needs careful handling when paired with today’s solar tech.
So, let’s dive in and find out how slate and solar can work together…
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Quick Takeaways:
Slate roofs are durable but require careful handling for solar installation.
Specialist fixings and expert installers ensure a secure, watertight fit.
Installation may take longer and cost more than on standard roofs.
Alternatives like solar tiles or integrated panels exist for slate roofs.
Key factors include roof condition, tile availability, and planning rules.
Why Slate Roofs Are Special
Slate roofs are known for their durability and timeless aesthetic. Whether it’s natural slate quarried from the rugged hills of Wales or a high-quality synthetic alternative, these roofs can last for decades - sometimes even a century - with proper care.
However, slate tiles are also brittle and can be trickier to work with compared to more modern roofing materials like concrete tiles or metal. That’s where the expertise of your solar installer comes into play.
“I’ve seen slate roofs that are absolute works of art, but they’re not the easiest to work with - I remember one job in Cheshire where we had to source replacement tiles from a specialist supplier just to keep the look consistent. It’s worth the effort, though, when you see the panels firing up.” - Ben Price, co-founder of Heatable
How Solar Panels Are Mounted on Slate Roofs
Installing solar panels on any roof requires a secure mounting system, and slate roofs are no exception.
The process typically involves attaching brackets to the roof’s underlying structure, usually the rafters, rather than the slate tiles themselves.
Here’s how it works:
Specialist Fixings: Instead of drilling directly into the slate (which could crack it), installers use slate-specific mounting hooks or brackets. These are carefully slotted beneath the tiles and secured to the roof’s framework.
Weatherproofing: Once the brackets are in place, flashings or seals are added to ensure the roof remains watertight. This step is crucial, as slate roofs are designed to shed water efficiently, and any disruption needs to be expertly managed.
Panel Attachment: The solar panels are then mounted onto rails connected to these brackets, distributing the weight evenly across the roof.
The key here is precision. Slate tiles vary in thickness and size, so an experienced installer will assess your roof to ensure the right fixings are used.
“It’s all about getting the details right. I’ve overseen installs where we’ve had to adjust on the fly because the slate was uneven - once in Shropshire, we spent an extra half-day just making sure the brackets sat perfectly. The homeowners were thrilled with the result, though - they’re still sending us pics of their meter running backwards!” - Ben McMonnies, Solar Operations Manager at Heatable
Does It Take Longer to Put Solar Panels on a Slate Roof?
Yes, it can take a bit longer compared to installing on a standard concrete tile roof.
The extra care needed to avoid damaging slate tiles and the complexity of fitting the right brackets mean the process might add a few hours - or even a day - to the job.
A typical solar installation on a simpler roof might take one to two days, whereas a slate roof could push that closer to two or three, depending on the size and condition of the roof.
That said, a skilled team will keep delays to a minimum while ensuring everything’s done properly.
Explore a Solar Case Study: Check out an insightful Q&A session featured in one of our detailed case studies on domestic solar panels. Hear directly from a Heatable customer in the UK and gain valuable perspectives on their experience here.
The image above shows a 23-panel solar installation, carried out by the MCS-certified solar team at Heatable, featuring the REA Fusion2 solar panels.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels on a Slate Roof?
The cost of installing solar panels on a slate roof is usually a bit higher than on other roof types due to the specialised fixings and extra labour involved.
For an average UK home, a standard solar panel system (say, 4kW, composed of around 10 panels) might cost between £8,000 and £812000 on a typical roof.
For a slate roof, you could be looking at an additional £500 to £1,000, depending on the complexity and whether any repairs to the roof are needed.
It’s worth getting a detailed quote from your installer - here at Heatable Solar, we always break it down so you know exactly what you’re paying for, right from the start (get your free quote here).
Things to Consider Before Installing
While it’s absolutely possible to fit solar panels on a slate roof, there are a few factors to weigh up:
Roof Condition: Slate roofs are tough, but if yours is nearing the end of its life or has cracked tiles, it might be worth repairing or replacing it before adding solar panels. Installing panels and then needing roof work later can mean extra costs.
Tile Availability: If your roof uses natural slate, replacing any damaged tiles during installation can be a challenge, especially if the slate is from an older quarry that’s no longer in operation. Synthetic slate is easier to source, but matching the look might still take some effort.
Weight: Solar panels are relatively lightweight, and most slate roofs can handle the additional load. That said, a structural survey might be needed for older homes to double-check.
Planning Permission: In most cases, solar panels are considered “permitted development” in the UK, but if your home is listed or in a conservation area, you’ll need to check with your local council - slate roofs often feature on these properties.
Alternatives to Solar Panels: Tiles, Integrated Panels, and Roof Replacement
If you’re hesitant about traditional solar panels on your slate roof, there are other options to explore:
Solar Tiles: These are individual tiles designed to look like slate but with built-in solar cells. They blend seamlessly with your roof’s aesthetic, which is great for listed buildings or conservation areas. However, they’re pricier - expect to pay 50-100% more than a standard panel system - and they generate less energy per square metre.
Integrated Panels: Also known as in-roof systems, these sit flush with the roof rather than on top of it. They’re sleeker than traditional panels and can work with slate, but installation costs are higher, and they might require more roof modifications.
Roof Replacement: If your slate roof is on its last legs, you could replace it with a material better suited to solar-like composite tiles, and install panels at the same time. It’s a bigger upfront investment, but could save you hassle (and money) in the long run.
Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s worth chatting with an expert to see what fits your home and budget.
At Heatable Solar, we’re happy to walk you through all the possibilities - start your free quote here.
The Benefits Outweigh the Challenges
Once installed, solar panels on a slate roof work just as brilliantly as they do anywhere else. You’ll be harnessing clean, renewable energy, cutting your electricity bills, and reducing your carbon footprint - all while preserving the character of your home.
Plus, with energy prices in the UK showing no signs of stabilising, there’s never been a better time to invest in solar.
At Heatable Solar, we’ve seen it all when it comes to roof types, including slate roofs. It’s not the simplest option, but with the right team, it’s a straightforward job.
“We’ve done hundreds of slate roof installs now,” - Ben McMonnies, Solar Operations Manager at Heatable
Our advice? Don’t let a slate roof put you off going solar - just make sure you choose an installer who knows their stuff.
Get a proper survey done, ask about their experience with slate, and you’ll be set for years of hassle-free solar energy.
Got more questions about solar panels on your slate roof? Feel free to drop us a line at Heatable Solar - we’re always happy to help you make the switch to greener energy!
Next Steps For Your Solar Journey:
When planning to install solar panels for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their solar installation.
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