Can You Install Solar Panels on Conservatory Roofs?

Conservatories are popular additions to homes in the UK. A conservatory is a structure made primarily of glass and attached to an existing house.

Government data shows that over 18% of houses in England have conservatories.

With the growing interest in harnessing the sun’s power to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions, solar panels on conservatory roofs present a promising opportunity to expand the use of solar energy.

But can you install solar panels on conservatory roofs?

This guide explores everything you need to know about installing solar panels on conservatory roofs and what you should be aware of.

Solar In Conservation Areas Key Takeaways:

It’s possible to install solar panels on conservatory roofs.
The roof must be strong and structurally sound to support the weight of solar panels.
Ensure you check whether the installation invalidates your warranty.
Suitable panel types for conservatory roofs include transparent, bifacial, or flexible solar panels.

Is It Possible to Install Solar Panels on Conservatory Roofs?

Yes. You can install solar panels on conservatory roofs, but there are a few things to consider.

First, the conservatory roof must be strong enough to support the weight of solar panels.

The installation will be similar to installations on a regular roof if the conservatory roof is solid. Otherwise, the panels will damage the conservatory roof.

If the conservatory roof features other materials like glass, you’ll face limitations on the panels you can install.

You may have to limit yourself to smaller panels, meaning you sacrifice the amount of power you can generate.

Related solar guides:

When Can’t You Install Solar Panels on A Conservatory Roof?

If you’ve constructed your conservatory roof using plastic or polycarbonate, installing solar panels on the roof may not be feasible.

Firstly, solar panels are heavy, and you must install them on roofs that can support their weight.

Plastic or polycarbonate roofs don’t have the same weight-bearing capacity and structural integrity as regular roofs and may not be capable of bearing the extra weight of solar panels.

Additionally, the panels have a lifespan of 25 years or more, while plastic or polycarbonate roofing can only last around 10-12 years.

The roof may not be capable of enduring the whole lifespan of solar panels, compromising the longevity of your investment.

As a result, you may need to replace the roof before the panels reach the end of their lifespan or convert it to a solid roof before installation.

Check out our review of the best solar panels in the UK:

What Are the Pros and Cons of Installing Solar Panels on A Conservatory Roof?

Pros

Some of the main advantages of installing solar panels on conservatory roofs include:

Enhanced Eco-friendliness – Solar panels help reduce fossil fuel reliance by producing clean, renewable energy, making your conservatory and home more environmentally friendly.
Efficient Space Use – Conservatories usually have large surface areas, making them ideal for installing solar panels. This allows the production of renewable energy without sacrificing the valuable space of your main roof.
Dual-use Potential—Solar panels can collect energy while filtering the light that enters the conservatory. This can make the conservatory more comfortable by reducing overheating and glare.
Independence and Reduced Energy Bills – Solar panels can make you more energy-independent by reducing your reliance on the grid. You’ll be less susceptible to changes in energy prices and can save money on your electricity bills.
Potential Earnings – Besides reducing your electricity bills, installing solar panels on the conservatory roof can generate revenue. You can sell any excess electricity the panels produce back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Increase in Property Value—According to reports by Solar Energy UK, Installing solar panels can increase the value of your property by between £1,891 and £2,722.

Cons

Drawbacks you need to be aware of include:

Weight Constraints – It’s vital to assess the weight-bearing capacity of the conservatory roof and structure before installing solar panels. The conservatory roof may not be strong enough to carry the extra weight of regular solar panels, so you may need to upgrade it or opt for smaller panels.
Potential for Overheating—Solar panels can generate heat and lead to overheating in the conservatory. You must ensure adequate ventilation to mitigate the risk of overheating, which can result in additional costs.
Energy Collection vs. Transparency – Solar panels will likely reduce the amount of light that enters your conservatory. You may need to compromise or choose solar panels that balance efficient energy collection and transparency.

How Much Will the Installation Cost?

The cost of installing a solar panel system on your conservatory roof is the same as that of a regular roof since the system will be similar in size and equipment type.

Average prices can range between £5,000 and £10,000 for a 3.5kW solar panel system. The actual amount you pay will depend on various factors like:

The quality and type of solar panels.
Your location in the UK since labour costs vary from one region to another.
The number of solar panels you need.
The installation complexity. For example, it can increase the time and number of engineers required for the job.

Considerations When Installing Solar Panels on Conservatory Roofs

Some things you need to consider before installing solar panels on a conservatory roof include:

Check if the Panels Affect Your Warranty

Installing the system on the roof of your conservatory may invalidate its warranty.

Check the terms and conditions of your policy and consult with the warranty provider before making the final decision.

Some companies that offer lightweight roofs for conservatories may void the warranty if you install a solar panel system. You can have the warranty invalidated or convert to a solid roof.

The Type of Solar Panels

Some types of solar panels are more suited for conservatory roofs than others.

For example, bifacial and semi-transparent solar panels can be ideal if maintaining natural light is an important consideration. Such panels allow some light to pass through while still generating energy.

Flexible solar panels that can bend to fit the contours of your conservatory may be a better option for complex roof designs. You can also create a seamless appearance with solar shingles or tiles.

Final Thoughts

Installing solar panels on a conservatory roof can increase energy production capacity and present various benefits.

However, it’s vital to ensure the roof is structurally sound and strong enough to support the added weight of solar panels.

To help you get the price, compare multiple quotes from different installers.

Sources and References used:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7c4ea840f0b6321db384f6/6_Conservatories.pdf
https://solarenergyuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/The-Value-of-Solar-Property-report_SEUK.pdf