Slate roofs are one of the most expensive roofing materials on the market. However, needless to say, a slate roof immediately stands out, as a natural piece of beauty. Whilst slate roofs are strong, they are also incredibly brittle. So when it comes down to installing solar panels onto a slate roof, you want to make sure your installer is fully capable.
At Deege Solar our team are experts in all kinds of solar panel installations including slate roofs, and are happy to help guide you through what you can expect from a slate roof solar installation.
Can you install Solar Panels onto a Slate Roof?
Yes, you can! Here at Deege Solar, we have completed several slate roof solar installations. Whilst the fundamentals of installing solar panels onto a slate roof are the same as installing on any roof type, there are a few differences that impact both cost of installation and workmanship.
Installing Solar Panels Onto A Slate Roof
- Firstly, your installer will mark out in chalk where your array will sit. Using the existing fascia to allocate the joists.
- Using a slate ripper roof saw, the nail holding the slate tile in place is removed, with no damage to the slate or batten. This tile is then removed and a roof anchor is then fixed into the pre-existing roof batten.
- A Roof Flashing is then nailed over the top of each anchor. This is a simple and effective waterproof solution, which sits around the roof bracket for the solar panels. But most importantly by installing a Roof flashing, it will ensure that your installation is MCS 012 compliant.
- Using a professional slate cutter, the removed tile is then cut to sit around the roof flashing and anchor.
- The rails are then fixed to the anchors, ready for the panels to be mounted onto.
- The Solar panels are then mounted onto the rail and clipped together using MC4s.
- As MCS-approved installers, a Lead Multi-cable Solar Flashing is then installed to ensure the cables are protected and that the installation remains water-tight.
How Much Does it Cost to Install Solar Panels Onto A Slate Roof.
Installing solar panels onto a slate roof requires expertise. If the solar panel installation isn’t installed by a specialist you may experience several issues down the line. As slate tiles are so heavy, yet so fragile, they need to be treated with extreme care. That combined with the labour-intensive process as shown above, means that overall the cost of a solar panel installation on a slate roof will be more expensive. This can be anywhere between £50 to £150 per panel, depending on the installer.
Are there any other Installation Options?
A stunning slate roof deserves a stunning solar solution, and that’s why integrated solar panels is another great option when considering solar panels on a slate roof. Integrated Solar Panels or In-roof solar panels, is a different type of solar panel mounting in which the solar panels sit flush with your roof. To do this, tiles are removed so that the solar panels can be integrated via GSE in-roof kit.
Whilst this beauty comes with a price, the cost per panel is very similar to installing straight onto a slated roof. Of course, the price for integrating solar panels will depend on whether or not your roof is stripped or unstripped. However, installing solar panels onto a stripped roof, costs around £100 per panel also.
So is it possible to install solar panels onto slate roofs?
A Slate roof is an eco-friendly roofing option, that can be recycled so is one of the best roof material choices for those wanting to be green! Paired with solar panels, it’s an eco-warrior’s dream.
If you are looking to install solar panels on a slate roof be prepared to pay a little bit more due to the intricate labour-intensive nature of the installation. It is important to also not just consider the cheapest quote but the quality of workmanship you will be getting too!
If you are a UK homeowner with a slate roof, interested in installing solar panels contact our award-winning team on 01322 479369 or simply click request a free quote.
