Solar Panels - who to trust?

roadweary

I've still only had the one quote (imagine in post) through so far, so yet to hear what they say about the slate roof etc. Still haven't found a company that says they supply Euronic panels….most seem to go Aiko or other far east manufactured. Most seem to have options for Fox, Sigenergy and Tesla.

I was kind of hoping someone approved would pop up on here. I'm not in South Wales, I'm Stroud, Gloucestershire….but seems South Wales places install here.

roadweary

update - turns out the roof is imitation slate. Neighbour says only supported by 3 by 2 rather than 4 by 2 struts.

QrizB

I was kind of hoping someone approved would pop up on here.

Touting for business isn't allowed on the forum, so you won't find any solar PV installers offering quotes here.

My system was installed in 2012 and the installer went bust a few years later. However there are a few people here who've had installations in 2026; if you look back through the threads you'll find examples of installers and quotes.

Or you could drop a PM to Screwdriva who has some contacts with installers; he might know one that covers your area.

Heedtheadvice

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82001034#Comment_82001034

might be worth ensuring your roof can structurally support tha panels. Weight should not be an issue but things like snow and wind loads can be great. A good installer will address any structural issues.

roadweary

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82002423#Comment_82002423

I've also asked on a local FB group and have found 3 local places that have been in business for 10 years plus….once the other quotes have come in, I may invite them along…

hardergamer

3x2" 75x50mm is a very light construction; most use 6x2" 150x50mm, or 150x67mm for an attic, depending on the pitch and span. Is it an Attic, or a Fink/Howe or Scissor truss? If it's an attic that has not been converted, you can add vertical joists off the ceiling joists to the middle of the rafters, or make a V. This will make your 3x2" rafters stronger than 4x2" by a lot, and it is a simple job to do. If your roof is free of sag, and all beams are sound, your roof should be OK to add the extra weight of the panels by adding joists, but I would ask a roofer or builder to have a look at minimum, or get an independent survey done. But I would trust a good roofer over many surveyors. Check their history.

If you do have some roof sagging, you may need horizontal rafter ties and vertical joists added before putting any extra weight and strain on the roof. And I don't think I would trust many MCS solar installers to use good surveyors to do this, as even with good warranties and insurance, do you really want to be forced out of your home for 4-12 months as they replace the roof and panels, etc. And basically replaced everything in your home.

This happened to my mum after they had solar installed using an MCS-certified installer, who did their own survey work, and the roof opened up less than a year later. They ended up living in temporary accommodation for 9 months, with a bill of £90K, which the insurance did pay in the end.

roadweary

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82002537#Comment_82002537

No idea. Does this help?

https://youtube.com/shorts/seODwZpjiBI

hardergamer

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82002559#Comment_82002559

It's a modern Fink Trusses roof, from the US. And looks like it's in very good shape and very strong. I can't see you having any problems, as even the felt looks like new. I add, it has a really steep pitch, looks about 45 degrees, which will give you the best amount of solar energy possible where you are at, plus you will gain more energy for the darker 7 months of the year when you really need it, and only lose a tiny bit in the 2 months of summer when you don't need it. This is the angle used by solar farms.

The only thing I would change, and it's off-topic, is possibly adding more insulation. It looks like you have less than the 270mm minimum. This can really save you a lot of money on heating. And you can DIY it.

Martyn1981

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82002594#Comment_82002594

Sorry for the aside, but you made me think of something, as i too noticed the steep pitch. 3x2 sounded a bit small, but clearly crossed braced, but am I right to assume that a steeper pitch roof transfers more of the weight down onto the outside walls, rather than onto the rafters?

Appreciate it's a silly qestion, but tested to the extreme, a horizontal span, supported at each end, would have most of its weight 'hanging' in the middle, supported by the strength of the wood thickness, but vertically, the load is transferred to the walls? Does that also help with snow load, as less weight would sit on the roof before sliding/blowing off?

Last silly question*, but can purlin's be added to help transfer load from smaller rafters, onto the end walls (and floor joists with vertical supports)?

*I have a friend who was told PV was not viable due to have the more modern roof style with thinner wood triangles. So your ideas and suggestions may be of interest. He also has a tile roof, that may be coming up to its end of life, so I wondered if slates may reduce weight, and help?

Heedtheadvice

I too would be interested in knowledgeable comments.

My interpretation is wind loading is more important and can be negative with smaller fixings ( to suit lighter timbers ) more ar risk of pulling out.