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Plug-in solar on a flat roof (extension, garage or dormer)
A flat roof gives an unshaded spot with no climbing ladders onto a pitched roof. Low-tilt frames (around 10–15°) keep the panels out of the wind and still make around 90% of an ideal setup facing south.
How much a two-panel kit makes here
| Facing | Per year | vs ideal | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| South | 788 kWh | 90% | £120 |
| South-east | 771 kWh | 88% | £118 |
| South-west | 766 kWh | 88% | £118 |
| East | 723 kWh | 83% | £113 |
| West | 717 kWh | 82% | £112 |
| North | 648 kWh | 74% | £104 |
920W kit with an 800W inverter, middle of England, someone home part of the day, 26.32p/kWh. “Ideal” = garden frame facing south at 35°. Data: PVGIS.
Tips
- Use a ballasted flat-roof frame – don't drill through the roof covering.
- At a low tilt direction matters less – even facing north makes about 80% of what south does – but south is still best.
- Check the roof can take the load and that you can reach a socket without trailing cables across walkways.
Best-value kits for a flat roof
| Kit | Price | Saving | Payback | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide Solar 800W (2 × 535W, HMS-800-2WB) Worldwide Solar | £498 | £125 | 4.0 yrs | See deal |
| Worldwide Solar 800W (2 × 460W, HMS-800-2WB) Worldwide Solar | £484 | £120 | 4.0 yrs | See deal |
| Solarfy Duo 910W (flat mount) Solarfy | £549 | £119 | 4.6 yrs | See deal |
| Thunder Bolt 920W kit Thunder Energy | £749.99 | £120 | 6.3 yrs | See deal |
| Thunder Bolt 460W kit Thunder Energy | £549.99 | £79 | 7.0 yrs | See deal |
£125 a yearestimated saving
4.0 yrspayback
853 kWhmade per year
474 kWh (56%)used in your home
Based on the Worldwide Solar 800W (2 × 535W, HMS-800-2WB) (£498), the fastest payback for this spot.
made used at home (the part that saves money)
Best kits for this spot
Fastest payback
Worldwide Solar 800W (2 × 535W, HMS-800-2WB)
£498 at Worldwide Solar · saves about £125/yr · pays back in 4.0 yrs
See deal at Worldwide SolarRunner-up
Worldwide Solar 800W (2 × 460W, HMS-800-2WB)
£484 at Worldwide Solar · saves about £120/yr · pays back in 4.0 yrs
See deal at Worldwide SolarAlso good
Solarfy Duo 910W (flat mount)
£549 at Solarfy · saves about £119/yr · pays back in 4.6 yrs
See deal at Solarfy