Can I Install Solar Panels Onto My Metal Roofing Sheets?

May 17, 2022 | Advice

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. 

Benefits 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. 

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.  

 

Get A Great Price On Roof Sheets Delivered Quickly

Roof sheets and z-purlins manufactured and cut to size in the West Midlands, delivered nationwide.

Our Products

Box profile roof sheets

Box Profile Roofing Sheets

Our CS 32/1000 is used in every sector. Box profile steel roofing sheets are available in all finishes and thicknesses.

corrugated roof sheets

Corrugated Roofing Sheets

3″ corrugated steel roofing sheets available in lengths up to 10m. Manufactured on-site in Bromsgrove.

z purlin frame

Z Purlins & C Sections

Steel Z purlins and C sections range from 1.4mm to 2.5mm in thickness. From CS 121 up to CS 265, and cut to length.