Installing Solar Panels on Your Garage Roof

Can You Put Solar Panels on a Garage Roof?

Yes. In many cases, a garage roof can be an excellent place to install solar panels, provided the roof is designed to support the additional weight and receives enough sunlight.

Planning the roof structure, garage position and electrical installation before construction begins will make it much easier to install solar panels later.

At a Glance

Before installing solar panels on a garage roof:

• Make sure the roof can support the panels
• Choose the sunniest practical location
• Allow enough roof space for your system
• Plan where batteries and inverters will go
• Decide whether to connect the system to your home or keep it independent.

Common questions about mounting solar panels on a garage roof

Before we delve into the topic further, we want to answer some of the most-asked questions around it.

Are solar panels worth the investment in the UK?

Yes. Despite the characteristic grey skies and regular downpours, there is enough sunlight in the UK to power solar panels. Some areas get the same amount of solar energy as parts of France, and Germany.

For more information, head to the Energy Saving Trust's website.

Can I put solar panels on a garage roof?

Yes, as long as the roof is strong enough to support the panels and their brackets, you can mount solar panels on your garage. If you’re planning to install solar panels on your garage roof, make sure to let us know so that we can ensure that your roof structure is sufficient.

Do you need planning permission to install solar panels at home?

In most cases, no. If you install them on the roof of your property or an outbuilding, you can just go ahead and do it. Planning permission is required for stand-alone solar panels if they exceed certain measurements or are close to the property boundaries.

Find out more on the Planning Portal.

Can I install solar panels myself?

While it's possible to install solar panels yourself, most homeowners choose to use an MSC-certified installer. This helps ensure the system is installed safely and complies with current electrical requirements.

Planning to charge your EV off solar? You may want to get everything done by a certified professional, so they can estimate the correct output needed to charge your vehicle and install everything in accordance with the EV charging station requirements. For more information, read our article about building a garage for an electric car.

Alternatively, you can mount the panels yourself and then have an electrician install and wire in the charging unit.

Planning a solar installation on your garage

There are five steps to designing a solar power system that fits your garage well and fulfils your energy requirements. For the best results, it’s best to plan everything in detail before you order or build the garage. Below are the five steps we recommend taking.

The solar power system

First, you need to work out your energy requirements, so you can estimate the number and type of panels you need to install. Have a look at battery and inverter options, too. Your garage will need to fit all of these. If the calculations sound too difficult, ask an expert to assist you and offer their advice. You may be able to generate more electricity via certain panel models, or you may be able to compensate for the lack of roof space by buying a bigger battery.

Building position

Then, consider where to build the garage carefully. Observe your property throughout the day to find the sunniest spot that is suitable for the outbuilding. You will also need to bear in mind how the sun’s position varies throughout the year - the same spot can receive a lot less light during the winter, as opposed to the summer. 

Garage size

Next, choose the size of the garage. Of course, dimensions will be limited by the amount of room available and any piping there may be underground. However, you will need an outbuilding with enough space inside to stow the batteries needed to store the solar power and the roof must be big enough to accommodate for the amount of panels you need. 

Roof design 

Then, think about the garage’s roof. In the UK, solar panels generally perform best on roofs pitched at around 30–40°, although mounting systems can be used to adjust the angle where needed.

Your chosen garage may not come with such an option, but you can adjust the angle of the panels with mounting brackets. You may want to install panels on both sides of the roof to generate power throughout the day or year.

You can find our guide to roof types and roofing terminology here.

Wiring

Once you are set on the building’s design, you will need to decide whether to run cables back to your house or not. If you do, you will need to allow for the wiring to be run through the concrete slab you will likely need to build. If you don’t, you can simply run the wires from the roof into the garage and connect them directly to the batteries.

Can you charge an EV with solar panels on your garage?

In order to use solar energy to charge an electric car, you need to design the system around the EV battery’s size and requirements. Do not rush this step - EVs require a big amount of energy to charge fully. Investing in more efficient panels and a bigger battery pays off if you have a car with a big battery.

Your charging station choice will be limited, though - only some are compatible with solar power systems. Finally, you will also need to install a battery and an inverter to convert the solar energy into DC current.

Can you fit solar panels to an Olson timber garage?

If you’re considering buying one of our sturdy and durable timber garages and installing a solar power system on it, you will need to choose the roof carefully. Only roofs with full trusses can support the weight of solar panels and mounting brackets. This means you should choose an Olson Timber Building 3 (OTB3), or opt for a roof upgrade on an OTB 1 or OTB 2. Any roof that can support tiles will suit a solar system installation.

Design a Garage That's Ready for Solar

If you're planning a new timber garage, it's much easier to allow for solar panels during the design stage than retrofit the structure later.

At Olson Timber Buildings, we can advise on roof options suitable for solar installations and help you create a garage that's ready for future energy needs.

Explore our range of timber garages, or get in touch to discuss your project.