Solar Panel Mounting system
You must always select the correct solar panel mounting system, this is an important first step. By obtaining the equipment, you will be relying on this to hold solar panels in place
What solar panel mounting system do I need.
Depending on which type of roof you are mounting solar panel onto will then allow you to choose the correct solar mounting equipment parts.
First step is always to identify the roof type.
Because the mounting system must be compatible with the roof structure. The wrong mounting system can lead to leaks, wind damage, panel movement, or structural failure. The mounting system should never be selected based solely on the solar panel; it should be selected based on the roof surface and how the load is transferred into the building structure.
Choose Your Solar Mounting System by Roof Type
| Roof Type | Mounting System Required |
|---|---|
| Concrete tile roof | Tile hooks + aluminum mounting rails |
| Clay tile roof | Tile hooks + aluminum mounting rails |
| Slate roof | Slate hooks + mounting rails |
| Asphalt shingle roof | Flashed roof brackets fixed to rafters + rails |
| Standing seam metal roof | Seam clamps (non-penetrating) + rails |
| Corrugated / trapezoidal metal roof | L-feet or crest fixings + rails |
| Flat felt roof | Ballasted flat-roof mounting system |
| Flat EPDM rubber roof | Ballasted flat-roof mounting system |
| Flat membrane roof | Ballasted or penetrative flat-roof mounting system |
| Ground installation | Ground-mount frame system |
| In-roof solar system | In-roof mounting trays and flashing system |
Typical Components
Most roof-mounted solar systems use:
- Roof attachment (hook, bracket, clamp, or fixing)
- Aluminum mounting rails
- Mid clamps
- End clamps
- Earthing/bonding hardware
These components work together to secure the panels and transfer wind and snow loads safely into the building structure.
Examples
Concrete or Clay Tile Roof
Use:
This is the most common domestic solar mounting method in the UK. Hooks must be fixed to the rafters rather than just the roof battens.
Slate Roof
Use:
Slate requires specialist hooks and careful weatherproofing around the fixing points.
Standing Seam Metal Roof
Use:
- Standing seam clamps
- Rails
- Panel clamps
The advantage is that the roof usually does not need to be penetrated.
Flat Roof
Use:
- Ballasted mounting frames
- Wind deflectors where required
- Panel clamps
The roof structure must be checked to ensure it can support the additional ballast weight.
Ground Mount
Use:
- Ground frame structure
- Driven piles or concrete foundations
- Panel clamps
Suitable when the roof is unsuitable or insufficiently sized.
The Rule
Identify the roof type first, then choose the mounting system designed for that roof.
If you tell me:
- The roof covering (tile, slate, metal, flat felt, EPDM, etc.)
- Roof pitch (flat or angled)
- Whether the installation is on a building or on the ground
