Roof Types and Commercial Solar PV: What You Need to Know
Roof Types and Commercial Solar PV: What You Need to Know
When considering a commercial solar PV installation, the roof is just as important as the panels themselves. Different commercial and industrial roof types require different approaches to mounting and installing solar, and getting this right from the start can help protect the roof, maintain warranties and ensure the solar PV system performs effectively for years to come.
At Square 4 Solar (SQ4S), we work across a wide range of commercial and industrial roofs, from pitched and trapezoidal roofs to flat, green and biodiverse roofs. Choosing the right solar mounting solution starts with understanding the existing roof, its condition and construction, and the requirements of the building.
Commercial Solar PV on Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are common across commercial buildings, but they aren’t all the same. At SQ4S, we regularly work with Bauder and Sika roofing systems, including welded systems and green and biodiverse roof solutions. We also use Esdec ballasted mounting systems where appropriate.
The choice of solar mounting system is important because it needs to work with the existing roof construction without compromising its waterproofing or warranty.
A key consideration is whether the roof is suitable for the expected lifespan of the solar installation. If a roof is approaching the end of its life, it may make sense to consider refurbishment before installing solar, rather than having to remove the panels later to carry out roof works.
Considering the condition and expected lifespan of the commercial roof at the design stage can therefore help reduce unnecessary disruption and additional costs further down the line.
Commercial Solar PV on Pitched and Trapezoidal Roofs
Pitched commercial roofs also come in a variety of forms and materials, so the solar mounting solution needs to be selected accordingly.
SQ4S predominantly uses Kingspan Powerail and Esdec systems, particularly for trapezoidal roofs, as well as GSE in-roof systems where the solar panels are integrated into the roof itself.
The design needs to take into account the roof profile, construction, fixing method and structural requirements to ensure the solar PV system is properly suited to the building.
The right solution will depend on the individual property rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to commercial rooftop solar.
What Should Be Considered Before Installing Solar Panels on a Commercial Roof?
There are several things that can easily be missed when considering commercial solar:
The Condition of the Existing Roof
Is it suitable for the expected lifespan of the solar PV system?
The current condition and remaining lifespan of the roof should be considered before installation. If significant roof works are likely to be required in the foreseeable future, dealing with these beforehand may avoid having to remove and reinstall solar panels later.
Roof Warranties
Will the proposed solar installation and mounting system comply with the roofing manufacturer’s requirements?
The existing roof warranty should form part of the planning process so that the proposed mounting and installation method can be considered alongside the requirements of the roofing system.
Structural Capacity
Can the roof and building support the additional loading?
Commercial solar PV introduces additional loads to the building, making structural capacity an important part of determining whether the roof is suitable for the proposed system.
Wind Loading
Wind loading is particularly important for solar PV systems installed on exposed commercial roofs. The location, height, roof design and proposed mounting system can all influence the requirements of an installation and need to be considered during the design process.
Future Roof and Solar Maintenance
Will there still be safe and practical access to maintain both the roof and the solar PV system?
A good commercial solar design needs to consider what happens after installation. Appropriate access for inspection, maintenance and other necessary works should be incorporated into the layout.
Future Roof Repairs
Has the design considered what happens if the roof needs work further down the line?
Even a roof that is currently in good condition may require maintenance or repairs during the lifespan of a solar PV system. Considering this at the outset can make future works easier to manage.
A good solar installation will create a long-term system that works with the building and its roof, rather than treating the solar panels and roof as two separate considerations.
Commercial Solar PV on Green and Biodiverse Roofs
Green and biodiverse roofs require additional consideration when planning commercial solar PV because the solar installation needs to work alongside the existing roofing system.
SQ4S works with green and biodiverse roof solutions and is a member of the Green Roof Organisation (GRO).
Depending on the individual project, the design may need to consider factors such as vegetation, drainage, solar mounting, access and the future maintenance requirements of both systems.
Solar PV and green roofing can form part of the same commercial building strategy when the requirements of the roof and the solar installation are considered together from the outset.
Why Experience Matters When Choosing a Commercial Solar Installer
With so many different roof types and mounting systems available, choosing an experienced commercial solar installer is important.
At SQ4S, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. We assess the individual building and roof before recommending the most appropriate solution.
We’re proud to hold industry accreditations and memberships including MCS, NAPIT, Solar Energy UK, Constructionline, the Green Roof Organisation (GRO) and Acclaim Health & Safety.
These accreditations form part of our commitment to quality, safety and professional standards across every project.
Whether your building has a flat, pitched, trapezoidal metal, green, biodiverse or specialist roof, the right solar solution starts with understanding what’s underneath it.
Commercial Solar PV and Roof Types: Frequently Asked Questions
Can solar panels be installed on a flat commercial roof?
Yes. Solar panels can be installed on many flat commercial roofs, provided the roof and building are suitable for the proposed system. Factors such as roof construction and condition, structural capacity, waterproofing, wind loading and existing warranties should be considered before selecting the appropriate solar mounting solution.
Can solar panels be installed on a pitched commercial roof?
Yes. Many pitched commercial and industrial roofs are suitable for solar PV. The appropriate mounting and fixing method depends on the roof’s profile, material, construction and structural requirements. This is why the individual roof needs to be considered when designing a commercial solar PV installation.
Can solar panels be installed on a trapezoidal metal roof?
Solar PV can be installed on suitable trapezoidal commercial roofs using mounting systems designed for the particular roof construction and profile. SQ4S works with systems including Kingspan Powerail and Esdec, with the appropriate solution selected according to the requirements of the individual project.
Can solar PV be installed on a green or biodiverse roof?
Yes. Solar PV can be incorporated into suitable green and biodiverse roof projects when the requirements of both systems are considered during the design. The installation may need to account for vegetation, drainage, access, mounting requirements and ongoing roof and solar maintenance.
Will installing commercial solar panels affect the roof warranty?
The impact on a roof warranty depends on the roofing system, manufacturer’s requirements and the proposed solar mounting and installation method. Where an existing commercial roof is under warranty, those requirements should be considered before the solar PV system is installed.
Does a commercial roof need to be structurally assessed for solar panels?
The structural capacity of the roof and building needs to be considered when designing a commercial solar PV installation because the system introduces additional loads. The requirements will depend on the building and the proposed solar system, so structural suitability should form part of the project assessment and design process.
What is the best mounting system for commercial solar panels?
There isn’t one mounting system that is best for every commercial building. The appropriate solution depends on factors including the roof type, construction, profile, condition, structural requirements, waterproofing system and the proposed solar PV design. SQ4S works with established solutions including Kingspan Powerail, Esdec and GSE systems, selecting an appropriate approach according to the individual roof and project.
Should a commercial roof be replaced before installing solar panels?
Not necessarily. However, the condition and expected remaining lifespan of the roof should be considered before installing solar PV. If substantial roof refurbishment is likely to be required during the expected life of the solar installation, completing necessary work beforehand may avoid having to remove and reinstall panels later.
Thinking About Commercial Solar PV for Your Building?
Whether your commercial property has a flat, pitched, trapezoidal metal, green, biodiverse or specialist roof, the first step is understanding the building and identifying a solar solution that works with it.
