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FLAT ROOF solar panels in South Devon
Turn a flat roof into a generating asset – panels on angled frames, set to face the sun.
Get a quoteFlat roof solar, explained
What it is
Flat roof solar puts panels on low-profile frames that tilt them towards the sun, so a flat roof on a home, extension, garage or commercial building can generate electricity.
The frames are either ballasted (held in place by weight, so the waterproof covering usually isn’t pierced) or fixed to the roof structure. Which one suits depends on your roof’s construction, its condition and how exposed it is to the wind.
From Ivybridge we cover flat roofs on homes, extensions, garages and commercial buildings across Plymouth, the South Hams and South Devon.
Who it suits
- Homes with flat-roofed extensions, garages or dormers
- Offices, shops and industrial units with flat roofs
- Schools, community buildings and churches with flat roof areas
- Properties where the pitched roof is shaded or faces the wrong way
Why it’s worth it
The benefits
Set at the right angle
Frames tilt the panels towards the sun instead of relying on a roof slope.
Often out of sight
On many flat roofs the panels are hard to see from the ground.
Lower bills
Use your own solar electricity in the day and buy less from the grid.
Ready for more
Pair it with a battery or an EV charger now or later to make more use of your generation.
Things to consider
- The roof covering needs to be in good condition with plenty of life left, because lifting panels later to re-roof adds cost. We check its condition at survey.
- The roof structure has to carry the weight of the panels, frames and any ballast. We check this and, where needed, recommend a structural engineer’s assessment.
- Rows are spaced so they don’t shade each other, and wind exposure affects how the frames are ballasted or fixed.
- Safe access is needed for the install, usually scaffolding or edge protection.
Typical prices
What flat roof solar typically costs
Prices are for a two-storey house with medium-to-high quality brands. Cheaper brands could lower the price, and premium brands could raise it.
Prices include scaffolding and certification. In-roof is priced at 1.3× the solar and roof-works part, and flat roof is 15% less on that part; batteries, inverters and gateways cost the same on any roof.
All prices are exclusive of VAT.
Prices are a guide and subject to a site survey, or photos you send us, so we can give you an accurate quote.
Quotes are always free. Send us a few photos and we can usually give you a reasonably accurate quote without a visit, so there’s no need to take time off work or wait in for us.
What’s included
What a typical install includes
Roof survey
We check the roof covering, structure, access, shading and how exposed the roof is to the wind.
Frame design
Ballasted or fixed frames chosen for your roof, with layout, row spacing and ballast designed around weight and wind loads.
Panels and inverter
Panels on the frames and an inverter (or hybrid inverter if you want a battery) installed indoors.
Testing and paperwork
We test and commission everything, show you the app and handle the MCS and DNO paperwork.
How it works
Four simple steps
- 1
Enquiry
Tell us about your property and what you’re after, online or on the phone.
- 2
Survey
We look at your roof or land, your usage and your supply, then send a clear estimate, usually within 5 working days.
- 3
Install
Our own team fits everything tidily: dust sheets down, clean as we go.
- 4
Handover & aftercare
We commission the system, show you the app and hand over your certificates and MCS paperwork, then call about a week later to check you’re happy.
Grid connections
Grid connections and paperwork, all handled
We have a strong working relationship with National Grid in the South West. We work with them to confirm how much your site can export and what size of solar, battery and inverter is approved for your property, whether that’s a home, business, industrial unit or farm. Every installation follows MCS, NICEIC and BS 7671 regulations. We handle the full process for you: National Grid applications, MCS registration, NICEIC certification, and your certificates and warranty documents at handover.
The technical bit: smaller systems are usually notified to the network operator after install (G98). Larger systems, which includes most commercial, industrial and farm systems, need approval before install (G99), and the network operator can set an export limit.
Rules & regulations
In plain English
A simple overview to help you plan. We check the details for your property at survey.
Planning permission
Solar on the flat roof of a house is often permitted development, but there are limits on how high the panels and frames can stand above the roof, and exceptions such as listed buildings and some conservation areas. Commercial buildings have their own rules. We’ll flag anything to check with your council.
Roof loading and structure
Panels and ballast add weight to the roof, and wind can create uplift. We check the roof can take it and design the frames, fixings or ballast to suit.
FAQs
Common questions
Can you put solar panels on a flat roof?
Yes, absolutely! The panels sit on angled frames that tilt them towards the sun, so a flat roof can be a great spot for solar. We check the roof covering and structure at survey to make sure it’s a good fit.
Will you need to drill into my roof?
Often, no! Ballasted frames are held down by weight rather than fixings, so the waterproof covering usually stays intact. Where fixing to the structure is the better option, we seal it properly for your roof type.
Can my roof take the weight?
Yes, in many cases, and we make sure before anything goes up! We check the structure at survey and, if needed, get a structural engineer’s view so the frames and ballast are designed for your roof.
Will it pay for itself?
It can, depending on your home! Solar can help cut your electricity bills, but how quickly it pays for itself depends on your roof, how much electricity you use and when, your tariff and whether you add a battery. On many of our projects, solar and solar with a battery typically pay back in about 5–8 years.
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Let’s look at your flat roof
A few quick questions and we’ll get back to you. No obligation.
Get a quote Call 01752 200496