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Optimising Your Home Improvement: Combining a New Roof and Solar Panel Installation
Planning a major home renovation can be daunting, but few projects offer the combined benefits of a new roof and a solar PV (Photovoltaic) system. If your existing roof covering is nearing the end of its lifespan, integrating solar installation into the re-roofing process is not just convenient—it's the most efficient and cost-effective approach to maximising your home’s value, energy efficiency, and longevity.
Cost Efficiency
| Aspect | Separate Projects Cost Implication | Combined Project Cost Saving |
|---|---|---|
| Scaffolding/Access | Erected, dismantled, and re-erected twice. | Erected once for both projects. |
| Labour | Separate crews, scheduling, and mobilisation fees for roofers and solar installers. | Coordinated single effort, reducing duplicate mobilisation fees and overhead. |
| Permitting | Two separate sets of permits and inspection fees may be required. | Often possible to combine structural and electrical aspects under a single, streamlined process. |
Maximising Roof Longevity
A solar system is a long-term investment, typically warranted for 25 years or more. If your roof is older, installing panels now means you will likely have to pay to have the panels professionally removed, stored, and reinstalled when the roof inevitably needs replacement in the next 5-10 years.
- Peace of Mind: Installing solar on a brand-new roof (which typically has a 25-50 year warranty) ensures the roof will last as long as, or longer than, the solar system itself.
- Warranty Protection: Installers are often more willing to provide comprehensive warranties when the solar installation is performed on a new, structurally sound roofing substrate.
Seamless Aesthetics and Installation
Integrating the plans from the start allows our team to ensure the cleanest possible aesthetic finish and the most robust installation.
- Integrated Flashing: We can utilise newer, more discreet flashing systems or even fully integrated solar roofing products that blend the panels into the roof surface.
- Pre-emptive Wiring Runs: Electrical conduit runs can be strategically planned and concealed before the new roofing material goes on, resulting in a cleaner look than retrofitting wires onto an existing structure.
Essential Considerations When Planning the Combined Project
Choosing the Right Roofing Material
While solar panels can be fitted on almost any roof type, some materials are better suited for the long-term combined project.
| Roofing Material | Key Consideration |
|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles | Choose high-quality, long-warranty shingles (e.g., 30-year architectural) to match the solar lifespan. |
| Standing Seam Metal | Easy to attach solar mounting clamps without penetrating the roof surface. Highly durable. |
| Metal Trapezoidal Sheet | Utilises specific clamps that attach directly to the ridges, avoiding penetrations. Excellent for commercial or industrial aesthetics. |
| Tile (Concrete/Clay) | Requires careful installation and often specialised mounting hardware to prevent tile breakage and ensure water-tightness. |
| Slate | Requires highly skilled installation; fixings must be carefully chosen to avoid splitting the slate and maintain aesthetics. |
| Flat Roof (TPO/PVC) | Can utilise non-penetrating ballasted racking systems, minimising roof penetrations. |
Structural Assessment
Before solar installation, the roof structure must be assessed to handle the added load of the panels and racking (typically 3-5 pounds per square foot). Since a re-roofing project exposes the decking and rafters, it's the ideal time to perform any necessary structural upgrades quickly and cost-effectively, ensuring compliance with local building regulations.
Coordination is Key
The most successful combined projects rely on tight scheduling between the roofing crew and the solar installation crew.
- Phase 1: Old Roof Removal & Deck Inspection: The roofers strip the old material and perform any necessary structural repairs.
- Phase 2: New Underlayment & Penetration Sealing: The new underlayment is installed. Solar mounting locations are identified, and the primary roof attachments are installed and sealed before the final roofing material is applied around them (where possible).
- Phase 3: Final Roofing Material & Solar Racking: The final roofing material is applied. The solar racking and panels are then installed.
Integrated Solar (In-Roof) Systems
When re-roofing, you have the ideal opportunity to choose an in-roof (or roof-integrated) solar system instead of the standard on-roof (rack-mounted) system. In-roof systems sit flush with the roof tiles, offering superior aesthetics and often replacing the tiles themselves, reducing material costs.
| Manufacturer | Main Features/Credentials | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Viridian Solar | Clearline Fusion system. Simple, fast installation; aesthetically discreet with very low profile (18mm above tiles); MCS-certified and wind-load tested. | Homeowners prioritising seamless aesthetics and quick installation with pitched roofs. |
| Solarcentury (Sunstation) | High-quality, robust integrated system. Excellent waterproofing credentials; well-established name in the solar industry with extensive testing. | Projects where durability and long-term weather resistance are paramount. |
| GB-Sol | Slate 2.0 and custom integrated solutions. Specialises in systems that mimic or blend with traditional slate roofs; offers bespoke, high-performance designs. | Conservation areas or properties where traditional roofing materials must be maintained, offering a high-end, custom look. |
| GSE Integration | French made, highly popular mounting system known for its universal compatibility with various modules and quick, simple installation. Excellent waterproofing. | Installers prioritising flexibility, module choice, and speedy, reliable installation. |
| Solfit | UK-based, aesthetically focused system with a very low-profile design. Emphasises sleek looks and robust weather sealing, often used for premium new build properties. | High-end projects where visual appeal and minimal profile are critical requirements. |
Leading In-Roof System Manufacturers
For homeowners seeking the ultimate in discreet aesthetics during a re-roof, an integrated system is the ideal choice. Here is a closer look at three leading brands in the UK market:
| Manufacturer | Key System / Focus | Aesthetics & Profile | Installation & Versatility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viridian Solar | Clearline Fusion | Highly aesthetic and low-profile (sits just 18mm above the roof tiles). Designed to blend seamlessly. | Known for extremely fast, simple installation, which reduces labour costs. Universal flashing system compatible with slate and tiled roofs. MCS-certified. |
| GSE Integration | GSE In-Roof System | Very clean, minimalist look as the modules are fully recessed. | Designed for maximum flexibility, compatible with the widest range of standard solar panels on the market. Excellent track record for robust waterproofing. Popular choice among installers for its ease of handling. |
| Solfit | Solfit In-Roof System | Focuses heavily on premium, sleek design and minimal visible fixings. Often the choice for architects and high-end new builds due to its flush appearance. | Robust weather sealing and UK-based support. Specifically engineered for a high level of structural integrity and superior water management. |
By choosing a full-service team that handles both roofing and solar, you streamline communication and accountability, ensuring a seamless, warrantied final product.
Ready to transform your home with a beautiful new roof and reliable, clean energy? Contact our combined Roofing & Solar team for a comprehensive, no-obligation assessment.
Atlantic Renewables
Atlantic Renewables are a solar PV design and installation company, providing affordable solutions in Manchester, Cheshire and throughout the North West.
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