Lower Purchased Electricity
Electricity generated and used on site can reduce the amount that needs to be purchased from the grid.
Commercial Roofing & Solar PV
Commercial Solar Panel Installation
Commercial rooftop solar installation, roof preparation and specialist waterproofing solutions for factories, warehouses, agricultural buildings and other commercial properties throughout the UK.
Solar PV for Commercial Buildings
Make Better Use of Your Commercial Roof
Large commercial and industrial roofs can provide valuable space for photovoltaic solar panel installations.
From warehouses and manufacturing facilities to agricultural buildings and distribution centres, rooftop solar can help businesses generate electricity on site.
Electricity generated by solar photovoltaic panels may help reduce reliance on purchased grid electricity, particularly where a business has substantial daytime demand.
However, the condition of the existing roof is a critical consideration before solar equipment is installed. Roof structure, waterproofing, expected remaining service life and safe access all need to be considered.
Elite Waterproofing's commercial roofing experience allows the roofing and waterproofing requirements of solar projects to be considered alongside installation planning.
Business Benefits
Why Consider Commercial Solar?
As the original Elite Waterproofing website explains, solar PV can offer financial and environmental advantages to commercial property owners and occupiers.
Use Existing Roof Space
Suitable roof areas may accommodate solar panels without requiring a separate ground-mounted installation.
Potential Export Revenue
Surplus electricity may be exported where suitable arrangements and agreements are in place. Payment terms depend on the relevant scheme or contract.
Energy Cost Planning
On-site electricity generation may reduce exposure to some purchased-energy costs, subject to production, demand and system economics.
Environmental Objectives
Solar generation can support a company's wider energy and carbon-reduction goals.
Long-Term Building Planning
Coordinating roof refurbishment with solar installation can reduce the risk of needing disruptive roofing work soon after panels are fitted.
Actual financial performance depends on
installation cost, system output,
electricity usage, tariffs, maintenance
and other project factors. Standard
grid-connected solar panels do not
automatically provide backup power
during a grid outage.
Commercial Roofing Systems
Solar Installation on Different Roof Types
Solar mounting arrangements must be selected for the particular roof construction, structural capacity and waterproofing requirements.
Trapezoidal Metal Roofing
Profiled metal roof systems may accommodate compatible solar mounting brackets or rail arrangements. Fixing locations, structural support, corrosion protection and waterproofing details require suitable design.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Some standing seam roofs can use compatible non-penetrating seam clamps. Suitability depends on the roofing system, seam geometry, loads and manufacturer requirements.
Flat Roofing Systems
Solar installations on flat roofs may use ballasted or mechanically attached arrangements, depending on structural capacity, wind loads, waterproofing compatibility and design requirements.
Fibre Cement Roofing
Existing fibre cement roofs require particular care when planning solar installations, especially where asbestos cement or fragile materials may be present.
Specialist Roofing Considerations
Solar Panels on Asbestos Cement Roofs
The presence of asbestos cement roofing does not automatically rule out a solar project, but it creates important technical and safety challenges.
Many older industrial and agricultural buildings have asbestos cement roof coverings that may also be fragile or approaching the end of their serviceable life.
Before any proposed installation, the roof's condition, asbestos information, supporting structure and proposed fixing method must be appropriately assessed.
It may be more suitable to refurbish or replace the existing roof before solar panels are installed.
The proposed mounting arrangement must avoid inappropriate loading or disturbance of fragile asbestos cement sheets. A suitable engineered solution and asbestos work controls are essential.
Important: Solar installation
on asbestos cement roofing is
not universally appropriate.
A coating or mounting bracket
does not make a fragile roof safe.
The work must comply with applicable
asbestos and working-at-height
requirements, including appropriate
specialist involvement where necessary.
Waterproofing Expertise
Roof Waterproofing Around Solar Mountings
Solar installations can introduce additional roof fixings, mounting connections and weatherproofing interfaces.
On suitable systems, waterproofing treatments can be incorporated around mounting penetrations and other vulnerable details, using materials compatible with the roof and mounting arrangement.
Elite Waterproofing's existing service offering includes roof preparation, protective waterproofing and treatment of relevant solar fixing details.
Where a roof is already leaking or deteriorating, refurbishment should be considered before equipment is installed.
Waterproofing specifications must also consider access beneath panels, movement of components and the need for future maintenance.
Rooftop Solar Fixing Systems
Mounting & Bracket Arrangements
The old Elite Waterproofing solar page describes single, solid and multi-rail mounting arrangements. The appropriate method depends on the roof system and engineered design.
Roof-Mounted Rails
Rail-based systems distribute support to photovoltaic modules through appropriately designed mounting points.
Roof-Specific Brackets
Proprietary brackets and clamps are chosen for compatible roof profiles and support arrangements.
Non-Penetrating Systems
Some roofing systems permit compatible clamps or ballasted arrangements without conventional roof penetrations.
Mounting systems must be designed
for relevant roof loading,
wind uplift and structural
requirements. Fixing solely
into a roof covering is not
automatically acceptable.
Refer to the mounting manufacturer's
design requirements and
the building's structural assessment.
From Enquiry to Installation
Our Commercial Solar Project Approach
Solar installation should be coordinated with roofing, structural and electrical project requirements.
Initial Discussion
Review the building, existing roof, project objectives and available solar information.
Roof Assessment
Consider roof condition, structure, access, waterproofing and the need for additional investigations.
Installation Planning
Establish the roofing and mounting scope, specialist electrical requirements and appropriate project coordination.
Works & Handover
Complete the agreed roofing and installation activities with relevant inspection, electrical commissioning and documentation by competent parties.
Technical Requirements
Designing a Safe Commercial Solar Project
Successful commercial solar installations involve more than mounting panels to a roof.
Structural Assessment
Roof structure, additional dead loads, wind actions and mounting arrangement must be assessed by suitably competent professionals.
Electrical Installation
Inverters, wiring, isolation, protection, testing and commissioning require suitably competent electrical designers and installers.
Grid Connection
The relevant electricity distribution network operator's notification or application process must be addressed for the proposed system.
Fire & Building Safety
System design should consider fire performance, emergency access, cable routing, roof construction and applicable regulations.
Planning & Permissions
Planning requirements, landlord consents and other permissions may need consideration depending on the site and installation.
Maintenance & Access
Future inspection, servicing and roof repairs should be considered before panel layouts are finalised.
For rooftop working safety, see
HSE — Roof Work
.
Electrical design and commissioning,
structural verification and any
necessary certification should be
undertaken by appropriately
qualified or competent parties.
Coordinated Roofing Projects
Roof Refurbishment Before Solar Installation
Where the existing roof is nearing the end of its serviceable life, refurbishing or replacing it before installing solar panels may be the more practical long-term approach.
Resolve Existing Leaks
Identify and address existing water ingress before new equipment makes roof access more complicated.
Review Corrosion
Treat suitable metal roofing defects or replace deteriorated materials where required.
Assess Roof Service Life
Consider whether the remaining life of the roof is appropriate for the intended solar installation.
Coordinate Waterproofing
Integrate compatible waterproofing details with the proposed solar mounting arrangement.
Plan Future Access
Allow for safe roof maintenance and inspection after panels are installed.
Reduce Repeated Work
Planning roofing and solar requirements together may avoid unnecessary removal and reinstallation of solar equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commercial Solar Installation FAQs
Can solar panels be installed on an asbestos cement roof?
Some projects may be technically feasible, but asbestos cement roofs can be fragile and require particular precautions. The roof, support structure, fixing method and asbestos risks must be properly assessed. Refurbishment or replacement may be the preferred option.
Should I repair my roof before installing solar panels?
Where the roof has existing leaks, corrosion or deteriorating coverings, it is sensible to assess and address those issues before solar equipment is installed.
Can solar mounting brackets cause roof leaks?
Poorly designed or incorrectly installed fixing details can introduce water ingress risks. Mounting systems must use suitable structural connections and compatible waterproofing arrangements.
Can solar panels be installed on a flat roof?
Yes, where the structure, roof covering and design requirements permit. Flat roof systems may use ballasted or mechanically attached arrangements.
Will solar panels provide power during a blackout?
Not necessarily. Standard grid-connected solar systems generally shut down during grid outages. Backup capability requires an appropriately designed system with suitable equipment.
Can my business sell excess solar electricity?
It may be possible to export surplus generation under a suitable commercial arrangement. Eligibility, metering, grid connection and payment terms depend on the project and electricity provider.
How much does commercial solar installation cost?
Costs vary with system size, roof construction, electrical requirements, mounting design, grid connection, access and any roofing refurbishment required. A project-specific assessment is necessary.
More Roofing Services
Related Services
Discuss Your Project
Planning Solar Panels for Your Commercial Roof?
Whether your roof is ready for solar installation or requires repairs, refurbishment or waterproofing work first, contact Elite Waterproofing to discuss your commercial rooftop solar requirements.
Call 01509 414300