Start saving with a FREE solar quote
PlugMeIn logo

Solar-Ready Commercial Roofs: What Works, What Doesn’t – And How We Can Help Fund Fixing It

  • /Blogs
  • /Solar-Ready Commercial Roofs: What Works, What Doesn’t – And How We Can Help Fund Fixing It

Overview

More and more businesses are turning to solar to cut energy costs, boost sustainability and take control of their future. But when it comes to getting started, the biggest blocker often isn’t the panels. It’s what’s underneath them.

 

The condition and structure of your roof could be the reason your solar project soars or stalls. The good news? Even if there are issues, they don’t have to be deal-breakers.

Commercial

What makes a roof right for solar?

 

Let’s start with the basics. The ideal roof for solar is:

 

  • East/west or south facing – Maximises sunlight exposure. North-facing roofs are possible, but generation is a lot lower.

  • Structurally sound – Able to support the weight of panels, rails and wind loading without risk of damage or collapse.

  • Unshaded – Nearby trees, vents or other rooftop obstructions can reduce performance. But smart solutions like SolarEdge can help. Solar Edge is a leading provider of solar power optimisation and monitoring solutions. Unlike traditional string inverter systems, Solar Edge uses power optimisers at the module level to maximise energy production. Read more about the benefits of SolarEdge.

  • Accessible – For safe and straightforward installation and future maintenance.

  • Flat or gently sloped – Flat roofs are no problem at all. We use either mechanical fixing or ballasted systems (depending on what your roof can support) to install panels on schools, offices and other commercial buildings.

  • Made from the right materials – Metal roofs (like Kingspan or tin agricultural structures) are great for solar and easy to work with.

 


What roof types can be challenging?

 

Some roofs require a little more thought. But that doesn’t mean solar is off the table.


  • Cement fibre sheets – This material is fragile and hard to work on safely. We would need to use crash mats or netting below the roof, which can add cost and the building will need to be emptied during installation.

  • Damaged or ageing roofs – Leaks or weakened structures need to be addressed first. Solar panels typically last 25-30 years. Your roof needs to last just as long.

  • Asbestos – Commonly found on older buildings. We can still install solar here, but specialist contractors are needed to safely handle and drill the material. Again, this adds cost but keeps the project safe and compliant.

  • Weight limits – Around 40% of commercial buildings can’t support traditional solar systems. The solution? Lightweight solar panels designed for low-load bearing roofs. Read more about lightweight solar panels.

  • Skylights or roof clutter – These reduce usable space and may restrict design options.

  • Heavily shaded or north-facing – Less efficient, but still possible with smart system design and battery pairing. Read more about how weather conditions impact the efficiency of solar panels.

  • High-rise or hard-to-access buildings – May require scaffolding or specialist access equipment, which increases install complexity and cost.

  • Electrical connection issues – Every system needs a suitable connection. But don’t worry, we’ll assess this during your site survey. 

 

With a solar lifespan of 25+ years, your roof needs to go the distance. We help make sure it can.

 


The Solution: Plug me in’s Roof + Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

 

A PPA is a smarter way to go solar. It’s a contractual arrangement that enables a business to install a fully funded solar PV system - with no upfront capital required.

 

Under the agreement, Plug me in funds the entire solar installation. In return, the business agrees to purchase the electricity generated by the system at a fixed, discounted rate - typically lower than standard grid prices.

 

The PPA is set over a flexible term - usually between 5 and 25 years. During this time, the business benefits from stable, predictable energy costs that are insulated from market volatility.

 

At the end of the contract, ownership of the solar panels transfers to the business, allowing it to continue generating free, clean energy for the remainder of the system’s lifespan.

 

Now, with Plug me in’s Roof + Solar PPA, we can also package in the cost of any roof repairs or replacements - meaning clients get both energy savings and structural upgrades with no upfront cost.

 

A failing roof shouldn’t stop businesses from cutting costs and carbon. With Plug me in’s Roof + Solar PPA, it won’t. 

 

Let’s Talk Roof + Solar

 

Not sure if your roof is solar-ready? Let’s find out.

 

At Plug me in, we combine insight, technology and funding to help businesses make smart energy decisions - with no upfront spend.

 

Talk to our commercial solar team today to assess your site, explore your options and power ahead with confidence.

Further reading
From Savings to Sustainability: The Case for Solar Power in Business
In an era of rising energy costs and increasing environmental awareness, businesses are constantly seeking ways to reduce expenses and enhance their sustainability efforts.
Navigating MEES: How Solar Panels Can Future-Proof Your Warehouse
In recent years, the UK government has taken significant steps to achieve its net zero ambitions by introducing legislation to reduce the country’s carbon emissions.
How Plug Me In is helping Barfoots Cultivate Sustainability through Solar
For UK producer Barfoots, environmental stewardship is a business priority, demonstrated by its new solar energy system at two West Sussex sites.
Powering Profits: How Solar Transforms Warehouses into High-Value, Future-Ready Assets
In this blog we explore how warehouse landlords that invest in solar can create an asset that stands out in a crowded market, expect an increase in property value and strengthened tenant relations.
Keeping Warehouses Powered Through the Peaks: How Solar and Storage Safeguard Operations Against Grid Instability
In this blog, we explore what’s driving grid instability, why it’s becoming a growing risk for warehouse operations, and how on-site solar and battery storage provide a powerful solution.
Meeting Customer Demands for Green Supply Chains: Solar as a Competitive Advantage in Manufacturing
In this blog we explore how installing solar is one of the fastest, most visible ways to cut emissions, lower costs and turn sustainability into a genuine competitive edge.
From Production Lines to Profit Lines: How Solar Powers Smarter Manufacturing
In this blog, we explore how rising energy costs are reshaping UK manufacturing, why energy has become a strategic issue for productivity and competitiveness - and how solar is helping UK manufacturers turn one of their biggest overheads into a long-term advantage.
Sun-Powered Supply Chains: Boost Your ESG Score with Solar
Refrigeration. Lighting. Automation. Round-the-clock operations. There’s no doubt that warehouses and logistics hubs eat electricity. This has a massive impact on their carbon footprint and bottom line. In this blog we explore how solar is a simple solution that tackles both.
From Roof to Revenue: How Warehouses Can Cut Costs and Cash In on Solar
Warehousing is energy-hungry. Refrigeration, lighting, automation and round-the-clock operations all drive bills sky-high. Add in volatile grid prices and pressure to hit net zero, and it’s no wonder operators are searching for smart ways to cut costs and stay competitive. In this blog we expore how warehouse operators can cut costs by cashing in on solar.
Don’t Pay for Carbon Twice – How Solar Protects You from CBAM Costs
Carbon now comes with a cost. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) — coming into force in 2026, with the UK following in 2027 — charges for emissions embedded in imports of high-carbon goods like steel, cement and aluminium. Investing in onsite solar is a smart way to cut emissions, reduce CBAM costs, and stay competitive