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Will solar panels damage my roof?

Short answer

Not if installed properly. Roof hooks fit under the tiles into the rafters and the covering stays weathertight; many flat-roof systems are ballasted rather than drilled. Problems come from cracked or lifted tiles, poor flashing and fixings not into structure. Get the roof checked first and use an MCS installer with an insurance-backed workmanship warranty.

Last checked 24 September 2026 · 1 source

In more detail

  • EST: renew a worn roof covering before panels go on - cheaper than removing panels later.
  • RECC: workmanship warranties must be insured.
  • BRE fire evidence shows installation quality is the main root cause of serious faults.

The facts, dated

  1. 01
    Poor installation was the probable root cause in 21 of 80 BRE-investigated PV fire incidents — 21 incidents

    market_data · UK · checked 24 September 2026 · GOV.UK

What we saw in the field

[QA review 2026-09-24] I-12 AGREES. | Earlier notes: Agrees with installer: roof damage comes from bodged installs (lifted tiles, flashings, hooks not into structure).

Sources

Last checked: 24 September 2026