Solar Panel Roof Engineer Calculations
Regulated Surveyors by RICS, CIOB and RPSA
Calculating the Solar Panel Roof Load for Residential Structures
When you are planning on installing solar panels, it is necessary to calculate how well your roof can support them.
Solar panels might impact the structure of your house. More significantly, the panels would place an increased burden on your roof’s structure. So, it’s not just important, but vital, to know whether a solar panel system could be supported by your roof—in terms of both the roof’s physical condition and its structural capabilities. A structural engineer can help you make the right decision by doing some essential calculations.
Can my Roof Support Solar Panels?
If the solar panels are to be installed on a roof, the condition of the roof needs to be assessed. This would entail an analysis of the roof’s structure and how loads are carried, not just the weight of the panels themselves. Different factors including the height, pressure, and load will be reviewed by the structural engineer.
What if my roof is not structurally strong to support solar panels?
If the existing roof structure cannot bear the load of the solar panels, the team of structural engineers will recommend the requisite steps to make the roof structural. They will also prepare the necessary drawings, do the required calculations, and make the necessary submissions to building control so that the solar panel system can be approved and installed in a timely manner
Do I need Planning Permission for Solar Panels?
When it comes to the installation of solar panels, it is not mandatory to request planning permission unless the roof faces out towards a road in a Conservation Area. However, there are some important factors for you to consider:
- Solar panels must stay below the roofs’ ridgeline and should not go beyond 200mm from the roof or wall.
- Installing solar panels on a Listed Building will require permission.
- When micro-generation is no longer required, the panels should be taken down.
Solar Roof Calculations for Commercial Property
The structural roof calculations for solar panels on commercial roofs are also done by our panel of structural engineers. In addition to determining whether solar panels can be safely and effectively installed on certain commercial roofs, the team calculates the necessary load requirements for these installations. These calculations also apply to large portal frames, office buildings, and apartment or period retail buildings. Get in touch today to appoint on of your structural engineers.
Discover Expert Surveying with ManchesterSurveyors!
Whether you’re buying, selling, or renovating, our certified surveyors provide comprehensive insights to safeguard your investments. Backed by years of expertise and local knowledge, we deliver trusted reports tailored to your needs.
Surveys of Commercial Property
If you’re thinking of acquiring, leasing, subletting, disposing of, or altering commercial premises in Manchester, you would be well advised to locate a surveyor skilled in the nuances of commercial building surveying – should you spot a defect in a commercial building you can use that information to negotiate an asking price for the property that’s considerably lower than what the seller originally wanted, or you can talk your way out of a bad deal altogether.
Our Manchester-based team of RICS-compliant commercial building surveyors is equipped to handle matters throughout Manchester.
Contact
Our team prioritizes client care above all else. We look forward to being in touch with you so you can instruct a surveyor in Manchester, London, Bristol, Birmingham or Cardiff. You can reach out to us easily. Just fill out our form, and we’ll get back to you with a free quote for your survey. All our surveyors are qualified as members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and we are one of the UK’s leading providers of building survey and valuation services:
- Accredited Professionals: Certified by organizations like RICS, CIOB, and RPSA.
- Customized Survey Reports: inspections to meet your specific requirements.
- Local Expertise: Deep understanding and specialized knowledge.
- Expert Guidance: Professional recommendations and support.
The property survey you commission will be carried out by an accredited professional. Your chartered surveyor will be a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), or will belong to some other industry-standard professional body. Rest assured; you will receive highest quality of professional service for your survey.
