Why Do Some Solar Companies Avoid Slate Roof Installations?

Why Do Some Solar Companies Avoid Slate Roof Installations?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that some solar companies do not offer installations on slate roofs. The reason is not that solar panels cannot be fitted to slate. In fact, many slate roofs are perfectly suitable for solar.

If you’d like to see exactly how solar panels are installed on a slate roof, take a look at our guide:

Can Solar Panels Be Installed On A Slate Roof?

Selection of natural British roofing slates showing different colours and textures.

Slate Roofs Are Different

Natural slate is an attractive and durable roofing material, but every roof is slightly different. Slate thickness, age, condition and the underlying roof structure can all vary considerably.

This means that slate roofs often require more detailed surveys and a more individual approach than other roof types.

Solar surveyor assessing a traditional British house with a natural slate roof.

Specialist Skills And Experience Are Required

Solar panels can be installed successfully on many slate roofs, but specialist mounting systems and installation methods are required.

For some installers, this additional complexity may make slate roofs less attractive than more standard roof types.

 

Traditional slate roofing tools including slate hammer, ripper, hooks and natural roofing slates.

Slate roofs require specialist skills and experience that not every installer possesses.

Why Do Some Companies Choose Not To Undertake Slate Roof Installations?

Large national installers are often attracted to installations that are quick to survey, easy to price and straightforward to install.

Slate roofs can require more detailed surveys, specialist equipment and experienced installers. Rather than offering a service they cannot deliver to a high standard, some companies choose to focus on more standard roof types.

This is a commercial decision rather than a technical limitation, as many slate roofs are perfectly suitable for solar panels.

All-black solar panels installed on a traditional British house with a natural slate roof.

Experience Matters

Stag Solar is experienced in slate roof solar installations and is able to assess individual roofs and recommend the most suitable approach.

Every roof is different. The age and condition of the roof, the type of slate and the roof structure all influence the most suitable installation method.

If your slate roof is nearing the end of its life, reroofing before installing solar panels may sometimes be the best option. In some cases, an in-roof solar system can provide an attractive alternative.

If you would like advice on your own roof, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss the options.

 

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