Solar Panels on Old Scottish Roofs: What Works (And What Doesn’t)
A lot of homes in Scotland weren’t built with solar panels in mind. They were built to keep the rain out, the heat in, and stand up to a few centuries of weather.
So if your roof is slate, stone, or older than your gran’s sideboard, the big question is fair enough:
Can solar work on an old Scottish roof?
Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. Often it depends.
Let’s go through it properly.
First Things First: Age Isn’t the Issue — Condition Is
Old doesn’t automatically mean unsuitable.
Some older roofs are:
- Exceptionally well built
- Structurally sound
- In better shape than newer ones
Others are:
- Near the end of their life
- Soft in places
- Due a full replacement
Solar panels last 25+ years.
If the roof won’t, solar shouldn’t go on yet.
That’s not negativity — it’s common sense.
Slate Roofs: Very Common, Very Doable (With Care)
Traditional slate roofs are everywhere in Scotland, and yes — solar can go on them.
But it needs done properly.
What works
- Proper slate hooks (not bodge jobs)
- Experienced installers
- Time taken to avoid cracking slates
What doesn’t
- Rushing
- Cutting corners
- Anyone who treats slate like concrete tiles
Slate roofs reward care and punish shortcuts.
If an installer shrugs and says “it’ll be fine”, ask more questions.
Stone Buildings & Solid Walls
Stone-built homes can absolutely take solar panels — the roof structure matters more than the walls.
Key things that need checked:
- Roof timbers
- Load-bearing capacity
- Fixing points
Older buildings often have chunky timbers that are more than capable — but assumptions are risky. A proper assessment matters.
Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas
This is where things get more delicate.
If your home is:
- Listed
- In a conservation area
planning permission may be required.
That doesn’t mean solar is impossible — but:
- Panel placement matters
- Visibility matters
- Design choices matter
In some cases, rear-facing roofs or discreet layouts make approval much more likely.
Anyone promising “no issues at all” here is guessing.
Roof Pitch & Orientation (Old Roofs Vary a Lot)
Older homes often have:
- Steeper pitches
- Mixed roof angles
- Less uniform layouts
That’s not a problem — but it affects:
- Panel choice
- System design
- Expected output
Perfect symmetry is rare.
Good design works with what’s there.
When Solar on an Old Roof Doesn’t Make Sense
Sometimes the right answer is not yet.
Solar is usually a bad idea if:
- The roof needs replaced soon
- Major repairs are overdue
- You’d need to strip panels off within a few years
In these cases, the sensible move is:
Re-roof first. Solar after.
It costs less in the long run, even if it means waiting.
The Scottish Weather Factor (Worth Mentioning)
Old roofs have already survived decades of wind and rain — but adding panels does change wind loading slightly.
A good installer will:
- Use appropriate mounting
- Account for exposure
- Design for Scottish conditions
If wind exposure isn’t discussed, it should be.
The Big Mistake to Avoid
The biggest mistake with older roofs is forcing solar to fit.
Solar should adapt to the building — not the other way round.
If it fits well, great.
If it needs compromises that risk the roof, walk away.
There’s no prize for installing solar at all costs.
The Bottom Line
Old Scottish roofs and solar panels can work together — when it’s done properly.
Age alone isn’t the issue.
Condition, structure, and honesty are.
The right installer will:
- Assess carefully
- Tell you when to wait
- Design around the building, not over it
That approach saves money, stress, and cracked slates.
👉 Not Sure If Your Roof’s Suitable?
Old roofs deserve proper answers, not guesswork.
If you want to see whether solar makes sense for your roof — without pressure — comparing realistic options is the best place to start.
See your solar options and compare systems — honest assessments, no nonsense.
