Can You Install Solar Panels On Metal Roofs? Benefits & Costs

The short answer is: yes, you can install solar panels on metal roofs, and in many cases, metal roofs are one of the best roofing materials for solar. However, the method of installation depends on the type of metal roof you have, and choosing the right system is key to ensuring durability, efficiency, and weather resistance.

This guide discusses the feasibility, methods, benefits, and considerations to help you decide if this setup suits your property.

Can You Fit Solar Panels on a Metal Roof?

Yes, solar panels can be installed on metal roofs, and in many cases, it's simpler than on traditional tile or slate roofs. Metal roofs, such as those made from corrugated steel, tin, zinc, or standing seam designs, offer unique compatibility with solar PV systems.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, over 1.3 million homes across the UK have solar PV installations, with metal roofs being particularly suitable due to their strength and durability. This is especially relevant for rural homes, farm barns, and industrial units where metal roofing is common.

On top of that, metal roofs can handle the weight of solar panels well, typically around 15-20 kg per square metre without needing extra reinforcement, unlike some older concrete or asbestos roofs. 

Key factors determining suitability include:

• Roof age and condition: Ensure your metal roof has at least 20-25 years of life left to match the solar panels' lifespan.
• Orientation and pitch: South-facing roofs at 20-50 degrees are ideal for maximum sunlight capture.
• Structural integrity: Have a professional assess load-bearing capacity, particularly for larger commercial setups.

Statistics from the UK Government show solar PV deployment reached 15.1 GW in May 2023, with rooftop installations making up a significant portion. Metal roofs contribute to this growth, especially in agricultural and commercial sectors where large surface areas amplify energy savings.

How Do Solar Panels on Metal Roofs Perform in the UK Climate?

Metal roofs excel in varied weather, with solar panels producing reliably year-round. A 4 kW system on a metal roof could generate 3,500-4,000 kWh annually, covering 70-90% of a household's needs, based on Solar Energy UK data.

In windy coastal areas, robust mounts ensure stability, outperforming vulnerable solar setups on rubber roofs. Reflective metal reduces overheating, maintaining efficiency in summer, unlike absorptive slate roofs.

What Advantages Do Solar Panels Offer on Metal Roofs?

Solar panels on metal roofs combine durability with efficiency, often outperforming setups on other roof types. Metal roofs reflect sunlight, keeping panels cooler and boosting output by up to 5-10% compared to darker tile roofs.

What Disadvantages Come with Installing Solar Panels on Metal Roofs?

While advantageous, there are challenges to consider, though many are mitigated with proper planning.

According to the UK Government, ensuring structural assessments prevents issues like leaks, common in poorly installed systems. Overall, disadvantages are fewer on metal roofs than on fragile alternatives.

Use our Solar Panel Calculator to find the ideal system size for your home and see how much you could save on electricity bills.

What Type of Metal Roof Is Best for Solar Panels?

Not all metal roofs are equal when it comes to solar panel installation. The type of metal roof impacts ease of installation, mounting options, and long-term performance. Below, we explore the most common metal roof types in the UK and their suitability for solar panels.

Standing Seam Metal Roofs

Trapezoidal Metal Roofs

Zinc or Tin Roofs

According to Solar Energy UK, standing seam and corrugated roofs are the most installer-friendly for solar in the UK due to their prevalence and mounting simplicity.

Comparison Table

What Are the Best Mounting Methods for Solar Panels on Metal Roofs?

Mounting solar panels on metal roofs uses specialised systems to ensure security without compromising the roof's integrity, unlike rubber roofs that require careful adhesion, metal roofs allow for non-penetrative options.

Common mounting methods include:

• Standing seam clamps: Ideal for standing seam roofs, these clamps grip the raised seams without drilling, preserving warranties and preventing leaks. This method is quicker and less disruptive than drilling into concrete roofs.
  
• Corrugated brackets: For corrugated or trapezoidal sheets, brackets screw into the roof's ridges, distributing weight evenly. Self-tapping screws with seals minimise water ingress.
  
• Rail-less systems: Panels attach directly to clamps or brackets, reducing material costs and installation time compared to railed setups on slate roofs.

According to Solar Energy UK, proper mounting is crucial for rooftop solar systems to withstand UK weather, including winds up to 100 mph in coastal areas. Always use MCS-certified installers to comply with UK standards.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels on a Metal Roof?

In the UK, prices for a typical residential solar PV system range from £5,000 to £12,000, with metal roofs often falling on the lower end due to simpler installation compared to tile or slate roofs.

However, the cost of installing solar panels on a metal roof varies based on system size, roof type, mounting method, and property location. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a 4 kW system, suitable for a typical household, averages £6,000-£8,000, including installation.

For metal roofs, costs are influenced by:

• Mounting hardware: Standing seam clamps add £500-£1,000 compared to basic brackets used on corrugated roofs.
  
• System size: Larger systems for solar farms or commercial buildings (e.g., 10 kW or more) can cost £15,000-£50,000, offering economies of scale.
  
• Labour: Metal roof installations require 1-3 days for residential properties, less than tile roofs (3-5 days), reducing labour costs by 10-20%.
  
• Location: Rural areas may incur higher travel costs for installers, unlike urban setups with flat roofs.

Cost Breakdown Table:

Notes:

• Costs include panels, inverters, mounting, and MCS-certified installation.
• Savings assume 50p/kWh electricity rates and Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments, per Ofgem data.
• Metal roofs avoid costly reinforcements needed for concrete roofs or hazardous handling for asbestos roofs.

For comparison, installing solar panels on rubber roofs may require additional adhesive systems, increasing costs by £200-£500, while flat roofs often need ballasted mounts, adding £1,000-£2,000. 

What Are the Best Solar Panels for Metal Roofs?

Below, we discuss the best types of solar panels for metal roofs in the UK, their advantages, and cost estimates, tailored to residential, agricultural, and commercial applications.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from single-crystal silicon. These panels offer high efficiency (typically 18-22%) and a sleek, black appearance. They’re ideal for metal roofs due to their compact size and high output, maximising energy production on limited roof space.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are made from multiple silicon crystals. These panels have slightly lower efficiency (15-18%) but are more affordable. Their blue hue is less discreet than monocrystalline panels but still blends well with metal roofs.

Insight: Read our guide on monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline solar panels to find out which option is right for you.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-film solar panels are lightweight and flexible, these panels use a thin photovoltaic layer and are ideal for curved or irregular metal roofs. Efficiency is lower (10-13%), but they integrate seamlessly with standing seam roofs.

Bifacial Solar Panels

Bifacial solar panels capture sunlight on both sides, leveraging metal roofs’ reflectivity to boost energy production by up to 25%. They’re typically monocrystalline-based with efficiencies of 19-22%.

Key Considerations for Choosing Solar Panels

• Efficiency vs. Space: Monocrystalline and bifacial panels are best for smaller or shaded metal roofs, while polycrystalline or thin-film panels suit larger, cost-sensitive projects.
  
• Mounting Compatibility: Standing seam roofs pair well with thin-film or clamp-mounted monocrystalline panels to avoid drilling. Corrugated roofs work better with bracket-mounted polycrystalline or bifacial panels.
  
• Aesthetics: Thin-film panels are ideal for discreet installations, especially on zinc or standing seam roofs, while monocrystalline panels offer a modern look for residential settings.
  
• Warranty and Durability: Most panels offer 25-year performance warranties, guaranteeing 80-90% output by year 25. Metal roofs’ 40-60-year lifespan ensures no need for panel removal during roof replacement, unlike asphalt roofs (12-30 years).
  
• UK Climate: Monocrystalline and bifacial panels perform better in low-light conditions, crucial for the UK’s variable weather, while thin-film panels excel in partial shade.

Cost Estimates for Solar Panels on Metal Roofs

Costs vary based on panel type, system size, and mounting method. Below is a table with estimated costs for a 4 kW system (suitable for an average UK household) on a metal roof, including installation.

Cost Breakdown Table for 4 kW Solar Panel Systems on Metal Roofs:

How Long Does Installation Take on a Metal Roof?

The installation of solar panels on a metal roof is typically faster than on other roofing types due to the ease of access and compatibility with non-invasive mounting systems. For residential properties, such as rural homes or eco-builds with standing seam or corrugated metal roofs, installation usually takes 1-3 days, depending on system size and complexity. 

This is notably quicker than tile roofs, which may require 3-5 days due to the need to remove and replace tiles for mounting, or slate roofs, where delicate handling extends timelines.

For larger commercial projects, such as farm barns or industrial warehouses with trapezoidal or corrugated metal roofs, installation can take up to a week. This accounts for larger system sizes (e.g., 10-50 kW) and additional steps like structural assessments or custom mounting solutions. 

According to Solar Energy UK, metal roofs streamline the process by eliminating the need for extensive roof modifications, unlike installing solar panels on concrete roofs, which may require reinforcement, or asbestos roofs, which involve hazardous material handling. 

This efficiency minimises disruption to business operations or daily life, a key concern for farmers and commercial property owners.

FAQs

Can solar panels on metal roofs qualify for UK Government incentives?

Yes, installations may be eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee, allowing you to earn from excess energy exported. Check with Ofgem for approved schemes, but note that metal roof specifics don't affect eligibility.

How does snow affect solar panels on metal roofs in the UK?

Light UK snowfall typically slides off smooth metal surfaces, clearing panels faster than on textured tile roofs. However, ensure mounts are rated for added weight in rare heavy snow.

Are there special insurance considerations for solar on metal roofs?

Most UK home insurance covers solar additions, but inform your provider to avoid gaps. Metal roofs' durability often lowers premiums compared to fragile asbestos alternatives.

Our Verdict

Solar panels on metal roofs provide a robust, efficient path to renewable energy for UK properties, from rural homes to commercial barns. 

With non-invasive mounting, long-term savings, and environmental benefits like reducing CO2 by up to one tonne per year, this combination addresses key concerns around suitability, performance, and costs. 

Assess your roof, compare quotes through Eco Answers, and consult certified experts to harness solar power effectively.