Over recent years, solar panels have become increasingly viable and popular as a mainstream solution to climate change. According to Solar Energy UK over 1 million rooftops feature solar technology in the UK. Furthermore, solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems supplied more than 4% of the UK’s entire electricity demand in 2021.  

Solar Energy UK Chief Executive Chris Hewett stated in 2021, “More and more consumers and businesses are investing in solar because they know it is a proven way to cut their energy bills and carbon emissions”. Solar energy is a sustainable, reliable, clean form of renewable energy. Making them the ideal solution to reduce your carbon footprint while also saving money on your energy bills.  

As of 2021, the UK’s total solar capacity stood at 14.6 gigawatts, according to trade body Solar Energy UK. Furthermore, researchers have suggested that this will continue to increase year on year, due to further installations. In 2021, 0.73 gigawatts of solar PV capacity was installed across the UK. 

What Are Solar Panels? 

A solar panel, or solar module, is one component of a photovoltaic system. A photovoltaic (PV) system is composed of one or more panels. These combined with an inverter and other electrical and mechanical hardware use energy from the Sun to generate electricity. Each generating environmentally friendly, sustainable, and clean energy.  

Metal Roofing Sheets  

Metal roofing is durable, lightweight, and capable of withstanding the worst of the elements. Additionally, metal is one of the best roof materials for solar panels. This is due to the ease of installation and durability alongside the environmental benefits.

1. Box Profile Steel Roofing Sheets: These sheets are characterised by their rectangular, box-shaped ridges and valleys. They offer high strength and rigidity, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications. The box profile’s structure provides excellent support for solar panel mounts, making it a great choice for both residential and commercial installations.
2. Corrugated Roofing Sheets: With their wavy pattern, corrugated metal sheets are known for their strength and ability to handle various weather conditions. They are often used in agricultural and industrial settings. Solar panels can be installed on corrugated roofs using clamps that grip the corrugations, ensuring a secure attachment.
3. Insulated Steel Roof Sheets: These sheets come with built-in insulation, which helps in regulating temperature and improving energy efficiency. They are particularly useful in buildings where thermal performance is crucial. Installing solar panels on insulated steel roofs is efficient as it can complement the roof’s insulation properties by enhancing overall energy savings.

Key Features Of Solar Panels On A Metal Roof 

Durable  

Solar PV panels last for around 25 to 30 years. Therefore, when considering your roof, you need the life expectancy to outweigh the PV panels you intend to use. Metal roofs offer the kind of durability necessary to generate cost-effective solar energy. With an average of 40 to 60 years life expectancy, making them the longest lasting sheet material available to buy. Additionally, solar panels absorb sunlight from the atmosphere. Thus, preventing the metal roof from getting as hot, further extending its life. 

When adding solar panels to your metal roofing, you ensure you can produce renewable energy, without the need to replace your roof. At Cardinal Steels, our steel roofing sheets have durable coatings with up to a 30 year guarantee.  

Energy Efficiency 

Insulated metal roofing sheets that have a certain paint can keep your building cool in summer months. Installing solar panels on metal cladding with such features helps to further lower the energy used to regulate indoor temperature. Consequently, the combination of metal roofing and solar panels can enable you to attain higher levels of energy efficiency and the associated cost savings. 

Sustainable  

Solar panels and durable metal roofing panels are the perfect eco-friendly combination. Both able to save energy, improve climate change and be recycled at the end of their long service life. Additionally, there are programs such ENERGY STAR that offer the opportunity to earn additional points for owners of this combined system. 

Resilient  

Unlike other types of roofing, metal roofing sheets perform well in high winds. However, installing solar panels onto a corrugated roofing sheet requires drilling holes. Installation involves ensuring the solar panels are fastened securely and correctly using brackets. With this the solar panels are then securely attached to the metal roof, allowing them to benefit from its resilience to high winds. 

Benefits Of Solar Panels For Various Structures

Solar panels offer numerous advantages across different types of buildings and structures. Here’s a closer look at how installing solar panels can benefit various types of structures:

Garages and Carports

• Energy Independence: Garages and carports often have substantial roof space, making them ideal for solar panel installations. By harnessing solar energy, you can power electric vehicle chargers, lights, and other equipment without relying on the grid. This reduces energy bills and enhances energy independence.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Solar panels generate clean energy, helping to decrease your overall carbon footprint. This is particularly beneficial if your garage or carport is used for electric vehicles, further promoting sustainable transportation.
• Increased Property Value: Installing solar panels on these structures can increase the overall value of your property, making it more attractive to future buyers who are interested in energy-efficient features.

Workshops

• Operational Cost Reduction: Workshops often require significant amounts of energy for machinery and tools. Solar panels can help offset these operational costs by providing a reliable and cost-effective energy source.
• Enhanced Productivity: By reducing energy expenses, you can allocate more resources towards other aspects of your workshop, potentially improving productivity and expanding your operations.
• Reliability and Backup Power: In areas prone to power outages, solar panels with battery storage can provide backup power, ensuring that your workshop remains operational even during electrical disruptions.

Barns

• Sustainable Farming: For farms, solar panels can power various systems, including lighting, irrigation pumps, and ventilation systems. This helps in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing reliance on diesel generators or grid power.
• Energy Cost Savings: Solar panels can significantly cut energy costs associated with running equipment and maintaining barn facilities. This is especially useful for large barns with high energy consumption.
• Environmental Impact: By using solar energy, you can minimise the environmental impact of your farming operations, contributing to a greener farming approach.

Factories and Warehouses

• Significant Energy Savings: Factories and warehouses typically have large roof areas and high energy demands. Solar panels can generate substantial amounts of electricity, leading to significant reductions in energy bills.
• Operational Efficiency: By lowering energy costs, businesses can improve their operational efficiency and allocate savings towards other critical areas of the business.
• Corporate Social Responsibility: For businesses, adopting solar energy demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and can enhance corporate social responsibility credentials. This can improve brand reputation and appeal to eco-conscious customers.
• Regulatory Benefits: Many regions offer incentives, tax credits, or rebates for solar panel installations. Businesses can benefit from these programs, reducing the upfront costs of solar energy systems.

Where to buy your metal roofing sheets 

Solar energy is a clean and affordable source of power that requires the installation of solar panels to generate electricity. However, the type of roofing of your current building needs to be considered.  

Cardinal steels manufacture and supply steel sheets, box profile roofing sheets, and roof cladding, across the UK. Across a variety of sectors including, commercial, residential, agricultural, and industrial. We have roofing Sheets available from 1m up to 12m in length or make bespoke to the job.  

Contact our friendly team today to answer all your questions and help you, start your energy saving journey.