Solar panels and the roof, planned together
Photo: Heritage roofing work
Why the roofer should be involved
Solar panels are usually fixed to the roof for many years. If the tiles, slates, battens or flashings underneath are tired, problems tend to show up after the panels are on, when they are harder and more expensive to reach.
Because we are roofers first, we look at the roof before the panels. Where we work side by side with solar installers, we take care of the roof and its weathering, and the roofing, integration and electrical scope is agreed in writing at the start.
What we coordinate with the solar installer
- Roof condition first
- Before anything is fixed to the roof we check the covering, battens, flashings and any slipped or cracked tiles or slates. If repairs or a new roof are needed, it is far better to do them before panels go on than to take panels off later.
- Fixing positions
- Panel brackets pass through or under the roof covering. We agree where they go so they suit the tile or slate layout, avoid weak areas and can be weathered properly.
- Flashing and weatherproofing
- Every bracket and cable entry is a potential leak point. The roofing side covers making those details weathertight and replacing any tiles or slates disturbed during fitting.
- Access and scaffold
- Scaffold, edge protection and roof access are planned once, for both trades, rather than put up twice.
- Timing
- We agree the order of work: roof repairs or new covering, then fixings and panels, then final roofing checks. Each trade knows when it is on site.
- Agreed responsibilities
- Before work starts you get a clear written split of who handles the roofing, the panel installation and the electrical work, so nothing falls between trades.
Need a new roof as well?
If your roof is due for replacement, doing the new roof and the solar together means one scaffold, one plan and fixings that are set out with the new covering rather than cut into it afterwards.
- Battens and fixing positions agreed before the covering goes on
- Flashing details planned as part of the new roof
- One programme, so trades are not waiting on each other
How it works
- Step 1Tell us what you have in mindSolar on its own, or solar alongside roof repairs or a new roof.
- Step 2Roof surveyWe inspect the roof and tell you plainly whether it is ready for panels.
- Step 3Plan with the installerHeritage coordinates the roofing, integration and electrical scope with the solar installers working alongside us.
- Step 4Written quotationYou see the scope and who is responsible for each part before you commit.
- Step 5Work and sign-offRoofing, fixings and panels in the agreed order, finished with a check of the roof covering.
Talk to us about solar
Tell us about your roof and what you are planning. We will check the roof and explain how the roofing and solar work would fit together.
Mobile 07710 690479 or send an enquiry
Solar panel questions
Is solar a separate Heritage service?
Yes. Heritage has an in-house solar section. We plan the roofing and solar work together and work side by side with solar installers, with the roofing and electrical responsibilities agreed before work starts.
Can solar panels be fitted at the same time as a new roof?
Yes, both can be planned together. The survey needs to consider the roof covering, fixing positions, flashing, access and installation sequence before the new covering is completed.
Can you work alongside my chosen solar installer?
Tell us who is installing the system when you enquire. We can discuss coordinating access, roof work and weatherproofing with them, and confirm the agreed scope in writing.
Does my roof need checking before solar is installed?
Yes. Its condition, structure, covering and expected remaining life need assessing. It is better to identify necessary roof work before panels restrict access to the covering.
Will a combined project always cost less?
Not necessarily. Coordinating work may allow access and scaffolding to be planned together, but costs depend on the roof, system design and sequence. The quotation should make those costs clear.
Can you guarantee savings or a particular panel output?
No fixed saving or output can be promised without a property-specific system design and assessment. Ask for the proposed equipment, estimates, assumptions and any certification requirements before agreeing to an installation.
Is the quotation free and without obligation?
Yes. Heritage offers free surveys and written estimates without obligation. The work, access arrangements and any exclusions should be agreed before work begins.
What if the survey identifies more work than expected?
Ask us to explain the findings and the proposed scope before deciding. Any change to the agreed work or price should be discussed and agreed rather than assumed.
Have another question? Contact Heritage to discuss your property.