The UK roofing market features a variety of materials, each with unique characteristics that impact durability, aesthetics, cost, and suitability for solar panel installation. The most common types include concrete tiles, rosemary tiles (a type of clay tile), slate roofs, and metal trap (trapezoidal) roofs. Understanding the differences between these options is crucial for homeowners, developers, and anyone considering solar PV systems.

Scaffolding is a critical safety measure for any rooftop solar panel installation. It provides a stable, secure platform for installers to work at height, reducing the risk of falls and accidents. In the UK, working at height is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, especially in construction and roofing trades. Without scaffolding, installers are exposed to significant dangers, including slipping, overreaching, or losing balance on ladders or unprotected roof edges.

Choosing the right size for solar DC cabling is fundamental to the safety and performance of any solar PV installation. DC cables are responsible for carrying the direct current generated by your solar panels to the inverter, where it is converted into usable AC electricity. If these cables are undersized, they can overheat, posing a significant fire risk and potentially causing system failure. On the other hand, oversized cables may be unnecessarily expensive and cumbersome to install.

Solar canopies are structures installed over outdoor car parks that support solar panels, effectively turning unused space into power-generating assets. These canopies provide shade and shelter for parked vehicles while simultaneously capturing sunlight to produce electricity. The panels mounted on the canopy roofs convert solar radiation into clean energy, which can be used on-site or fed back into the grid.

kW (kilowatt) is a unit of power that measures the rate at which energy is produced or consumed at a given moment. In solar energy, kW usually refers to the capacity of a solar system or an electrical device. For example, a 5 kW solar PV system means it can produce 5 kilowatts of power under ideal conditions, such as full sunlight at noon.

The roof pitch—the angle at which your roof slopes—plays a crucial role in the performance of a solar PV system. In the UK, where sunlight is less direct compared to equatorial regions, optimising the angle of solar panels can significantly boost energy yields. The ideal pitch for solar panels in the UK is typically between 30 and 40 degrees, aligning closely with the country’s latitude. This orientation allows panels to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the year, especially during the crucial winter months when the sun sits lower in the sky.

On Friday, 23 May 2025, Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, announced a significant 7% reduction in the energy price cap for the period covering July to September 2025. This move is set to directly affect millions of households across the UK, offering some much-needed relief from the high energy costs that have dominated headlines in recent years.

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification is the gold standard for solar PV and battery storage systems in the UK. It ensures that products and installers meet rigorous quality, safety, and performance benchmarks. For roof mounting products, MCS certification is not just a mark of quality—it’s a legal and financial necessity. Without it, systems may not qualify for government incentives, and property owners risk invalidating warranties or insurance.

GivEnergy has emerged as a leading force in the UK’s renewable energy landscape, offering a comprehensive range of inverters and battery storage solutions tailored for both residential and commercial applications. As energy prices continue to rise and the demand for energy independence grows, GivEnergy’s British-designed products are empowering homeowners and businesses to take control of their energy usage, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint. At Atlantic Renewables, our engineers are proud to install GivEnergy systems, providing our customers with the latest in reliable, efficient, and future-proof energy technology.