Solar Panels - How to Fit on Roof

peterc14

As the title says... My roof is on (concrete roof tiles)... what is the best and proper way to fit evacuated tube panels to the roof... so far I have read you can drill hole through tile into rafter or use a metal strap to go under tiles and wrap arounf rafter.

Any opinions/advice greatly appreciated.

sullzz

When we fit them we drill through the tiles/ slates and use the screw fixings provided , it's not possible to always puck up a rafter on the inside of the roof so what you have to do is drill the hole then go inside and place a ground on the inside of the roof where the fixing is going to come through , it's quite time consuming but with a couple of lads doing it it's not too bad . The fixing you get have a rubber washer which is to seal the hole you drill in the tile/slate , it's a good idea to also use clear silicone on this too just to be extra sure of it sealing , I always do and never had a leak on a fixing.

Poor Uncle Tom

sullzz wrote: »

When we fit them we drill through the tiles/ slates and use the screw fixings provided , it's not possible to always puck up a rafter on the inside of the roof so what you have to do is drill the hole then go inside and place a ground on the inside of the roof where the fixing is going to come through , it's quite time consuming but with a couple of lads doing it it's not too bad . The fixing you get have a rubber washer which is to seal the hole you drill in the tile/slate , it's a good idea to also use clear silicone on this too just to be extra sure of it sealing , I always do and never had a leak on a fixing.

That sealer will only last a matter of months on a roof.


Roofing Bolts / Brackets / Rails


Fixings for solar water heating collectors.

sullzz

It doesn't have to be used , I never said it was necessary to use it , it can't do any harm using it ( only good ) I've fitted lots with no problems

soldsold

Any advice for my roof build-up? Natural slate on double battens on 60mm softboard on 11 inch rafters (5 inch rafter with 2x2 packers and 4 inch rafter on top) on 15mm osb board

my plumber has asked me to get vent slates with rubber membrane in the middle so the pipes can poke through, and is fitting the panels next Monday 14th

Any advice?

Thanks!

heinbloed

Soldsold asks:

my plumber has asked me to get vent slates with rubber membrane in the middle so the pipes can poke through, ...

Your plumber is right. Insist on a correct fitting, nails or screws through the tiles is a cowboy method. Keep in mind that your installation should last for decades. Any roof, any structure would have a certain movement in itself during this time, that's the reason why tiles are always loosely fitted. And not fixed. It would be impossible to replace a screwed-through roof tile in case it needs to be done without major works like for example dismanteling the ST collector.

sky6

Both Heinblob and the plumber are correct. I've seen Roof tile and slates break causing leaks after the solar installer is gone. The problem being that when they drill the roof they don't allow enough clearance for the Fixing Pins. Then the Roof timbers or tiles expands, the Tiles snap and you have a leaking roof. A proper fitted venting tile or you can buy solar roof fixings which have the hole and seal in them for the roof. They sit over a Tile or Slate and are totally waterproof.

soldsold

Quentin gargan (who I bought my panels from) sorted me out with slate vents during the week as I had trouble getting them. Posted by swiftpost so I'd have them in time. Great customer service!

Fenor

Hi, we're fitting solar panels next week - where can i get the covers for the slates or the slate with the rubber vent?