James Elston
Published May 31, 2024
Yes, you can install solar panels on a conservatory roof. Conservatories have been dubbed as not being energy efficient, with some property experts claiming that they bring down the overall value of a home.
However, installing solar panels onto a conservatory roof will combat both of these things by increasing your home’s energy efficiency, and adding value to the property. Conservatory roofs are considered to be an ideal location for solar panels.
Contents
How Are Solar Panels Installed On Conservatory Roofs?
The installation of solar panels will depend on the roofing materials. Conservatory roofs can be:
- Solid
- Glass
- Polycarbonate
- Hybrid
Solid roofs can be tiled, wooden, or rubber, while hybrid roofs are a combination of glass and the aforementioned materials. Furthermore, conservatory roofs come in a variety of shapes:
- Lean-to
- Curved
- Flat
- Gable
- Edwardian or pitched
Solar panel installation is not suited to wood or polycarbonate roofs. These materials are not structurally sound enough to hold the weight of a solar panel system. Plastic and polycarbonate roofs have a lifespan of 10-12 years, while solar panels last up to 25 years. Wooden roofs are also considered to be a fire risk concerning solar panels.
Regardless of the material, conservatory structures must have adequate weight-bearing capacity to allow for the addition of a solar panel system. Before any installations, an assessment must be carried out and necessary planning permissions (if required) must be obtained. It is also worth checking to see if the addition of solar panels affects the warranty of your conservatory.
Below is a brief breakdown of the processes certified solar panel installers will follow according to the roof type and material.
Solid conservatory roof
The process for a solid roof will be quite standard. The roof’s shape, size, inclination, and material will contribute to how the installation is carried out. Curved or dome roofs would require solar panels with more flexibility to meet your energy requirements without compromising on the aesthetics of the conservatory.
The process would go as follows:
- Assess, and map out areas for the panels.
- Fix scaffolding to the structure.
- Remove any tiles, fix mounting systems and roof hooks to the rafters, and replace tiles (seal and weather if required).
- Secure the rails to roof hooks.
- Attach solar panels to the rails.
- Connect the panels to the inverter (connect a solar battery to the inverter, if using one), and connect the inverter to the fuse box.
- Check connectivity.
Glass conservatory roof
Glass roofs were designed to allow streams of light into the area. Bifacial or translucent solar panels provide renewable energy without sacrificing your natural light. The best option for a glass roof would be to use smaller solar panels to avoid excess weight.
For this installation process, racking systems are attached to the roof, and the solar panels are mounted on top. There is often little to no penetration during this process.
Glass conservatory roofs would be ideal for solar glass (more on this later).
Hybrid conservatory roof
A hybrid conservatory roof would have the solar panel system installed on the section of the roof that is solid. This would follow the same process for solid roofs. If the solid section of the roof is made of wood, you would need to replace this material with one better suited to the installation, such as asphalt shingles.
As with any solar panel installation, the panels should face a southern direction, mounted between 20° and 50°, with minimal shading on the roof. This will enable your panels to operate at a maximum capacity and produce sufficient solar power.
How Long Does It Take to Install Solar Panels On A Conservatory Roof?
On average, a domestic solar panel installation takes between 4 and 6 hours to complete. At most, an installation can take up to two days. The length of an installation depends on:
- The complexity of the installation.
- Accessibility to the roof.
- The roof shape and size.
- The number of panels.
- The size of the panel system.
Given that we are talking about installation on a conservatory roof, fewer panels are generally used, and smaller systems are installed. This means that the installation process should be on the shorter side, compared to normal household roofs.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels On Conservatory Roofs?
The average cost for a solar panel system on a conservatory roof ranges between £5,000 and £10,000 for a 3.5 kW solar panel system, including materials and installation costs. Prices may vary depending on:
- The quality and brand of solar panels.
- Labour costs according to your location within the UK.
- Number of solar panels required.
- The complexity of the installation.
Below is a breakdown of The number of solar panels required for a specific surface area, the cost of installation, and a solar battery.
| Estimated Surface area (sq m) | System Size | Number of 350W Panels | Number of 450W Panels | Cost with Installation | Cost of Solar Battery | Cost of Installation with Solar Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 3 kW | 8 | 6 | £7,000 – £8,000 | £2,500 – £3,500 | £9,500 – £11,500 |
| 20 | 4 kW | 10 | 8 | £9,000 – £10,000 | £3,500 – £4,000 | £12,500 – £14,00 |
| 26 | 5 kW | 13 | 10 | £11,000 – £12,000 | £4,000 – £5,000 | £15,000 – £17,00 |
| 32 | 6 kW | 16 | 13 | £12,000 – £13,000 | £5,000 – £7,500 | £17,500 – £20,500 |
Get A Solar Panel Installation Quote Today
Installing solar panels on a conservatory roof should be done with expert care and professionalism. Our certified solar panel installers are here for your solar panel installation needs. Contact Eco Happy today and receive a free quote for your solar panel installation.
Feel free to message us with any concerns or questions you may have. Let us help you meet your energy requirements in the most cost-effective, eco-friendly way possible.
FAQs
Are solar batteries worth it?
They may seem pricey, but solar batteries are extremely beneficial. The battery storage allows you to use stored energy throughout the day and night, even after the sun has set. Your energy bills can be further reduced with a solar battery. This will be especially useful during UK winters, as solar panels can be connected to most newer boiler models.
Can solar panels cause the interior of a conservatory to overheat?
The heat generated from solar panels, coupled with the design of a conservatory, could lead to potential overheating. This can be easily rectified with adequate ventilation or cooling systems. In winter months, the overproduction of heat could actually be beneficial.
Are there government grants for solar panels in the UK?
There is currently one government grant available to assist low-income households with energy-saving home improvements. The Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) scheme, provides eligible candidates funding to help offset the initial costs. This scheme is available until March 2026.
The Home Upgrade Grant is no longer accepting new applications despite it only expiring in 2025. This is why it is crucial to take advantage of government schemes as soon as possible.
How will I know if my structure is strong enough for solar panels?
Expert solar panel installers will be able to determine whether or not your structure can handle the additional weight of solar panels. Should it not be sturdy enough, recommendations will be made to accommodate your needs.
Can I install my own solar panels onto my conservatory roof?
Solar panel installation should only be done by qualified and certified installers. If you choose to install your own solar panels, you risk losing your warranty on the panels, and you may cause damage to the structure or hurt yourself. When qualified installers have completed any solar panel installation, they register your system with the Microgeneration Certificate Scheme (MSC).
Our Verdict
Conservatory roofs should not be overlooked as viable structures for solar panel installation. There are various methods that can be implemented to accommodate your conservatory’s design while allowing you to reap the many benefits of solar power.
The initial investment costs of installing solar panels can be easily offset by the reduction in electricity bills and heating costs. Surplus energy can also be fed back into the national grid, thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
If your conservatory can accommodate solar panels, you would be remiss not to install them.
James Elston
Boiler Expert
James Elston is the top boiler replacement and heating expert at Eco Happy. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry, focusing on Gas Safe boiler installations and offering home-heating and energy-saving solutions to homeowners across the UK. From sourcing the most energy-efficient combi boiler to providing specialist heating advice, James ensures that Eco Happy maintains the highest standards and best customer service.