Is it possible to have solar panels fitted to a garage roof in the UK? In this guide, we explore this question and common installation scenarios.
- Is your garage suitable for solar panels?
- Solar Panels Garage Roof Pros & Cons
- How much does it cost to install panels on your garage roof?
- Do you need planning permission to install panels on your garage roof?
- How are garage roof solar panels connected to your property?
- Can a garage roof support the weight of solar panels?
As our homes increasingly rely on electricity, our energy demands grow. In response to rising energy costs, more homeowners are turning to solar power as a viable solution.
If installing solar panels on your main home roof isn't an option, or if your main roof is already outfitted with panels and you'd like to expand your system, there are alternative solutions available.
A common query we receive at Heatable is, "Can I install solar panels on my garage roof?" The answer is yes, you certainly can.
However, there are important considerations to address before proceeding, such as the structural integrity and weight-bearing capacity of your garage roof.
In this guide, we will explore this question and some common installation scenarios.
PS We offer MCS-certified solar panel installation nationwide. Simply answer these questions, get your fixed price and arrange your free design.
Is your garage suitable for solar panels?
Before installing solar panels on your garage roof, it's important to consider the following questions:
1. Is the garage roof pitched or flat?
If the garage roof is pitched then the installation is no different from installing on the main roof, the fixing kits and installation methods will be identical.
If the garage roof is flat then you’ll need to mount the system on a flat roof mounting kit. These kits are more complex and require a bespoke design.
Heatable can help with this, book your free consultation here.
2. Is there an adequate existing power supply?
The power from your panels will need to be routed back to your main incoming supply. Usually, this is located at the main property.
If your garage has an existing power supply then this may be suitable to connect to, if there is no supply then you’ll need to have one installed as part of your project.
3. Is the garage roof shaded from trees or the main house?
Generally, garage roofs are single-story and therefore are more likely to be shaded from trees, foliage or the main property.
It’s important that any shading is included in your design proposal to ensure that annual production figures are accurate. Enquire about shading calculations with your Heatable design consultant.
Solar Panels Garage Roof Pros & Cons
Installing panels can be a great alternative or addition to your renewable energy project, but there are some considerations you need to be aware of.
In the table below we have summarised the pros and cons of installing solar panels on a garage roof in the UK:
Pros of Solar Panels on Garage Roofs | Cons of Solar Panels on Garage Roofs |
Cheaper access costs (single storey) | Can be affected by shade or obstructions |
Easy to maintain (easy to access for cleaning) | May require power cable installations or upgrades to home |
Allows for system expansion | Generally smaller roof areas |
Sometimes preferred aesthetically | Structural calculations may be required as roof timbers smaller |
Cheaper to install (open loft spaces and exposed brickwork) | Flat roof systems can fit a lower number of panels compared to a pitched roof |
Easier to install a battery onto | ROI’s can be lower |
How much does it cost to install panels on your garage roof?
Prices can vary, Heatable offer a free online drawing tool which provides instant quotations, get yours here.
A pitched roof system can cost less than flat roof systems and installing or upgrading a power cable can cost between £500 and £1000.
Your design expert will provide more accurate pricing for this.
Do you need planning permission to install panels on your garage roof?
No, unless you’re in a conservation area, an area of outstanding natural beauty or your property is listed.
As of 2024, flat roof installations are now covered under permitted development rights, previously you required planning permission for flat roof installations.
What should you know before buying solar? Have a flat roof? Read all about flat roof solar and if you have a conservatory, it is possible to have solar on a conservatory roof too.
How are garage roof solar panels connected to your property?
The solar panels on your garage roof function like any other solar setup.
They are connected to an inverter that converts solar energy into usable electricity.
This electricity then flows to your fuse box, where it is distributed throughout your home to power your appliances and lights.
Can a garage roof support the weight of solar panels?
The integrity and weight-bearing capacity of your garage roof will be thoroughly evaluated during the initial quote stage.
For reference, the average weight of a standard solar panel ranges between 18 kg to 20 kg per panel, or approximately 5 kg to 10 kg per square metre.
For added assurance, consulting a structural engineer can provide further peace of mind if necessary.
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.
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.
Get a Quote for Solar Today
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Draw your own conclusion (literally) on whether solar is worth it for you, here.
