As more UK homeowners look for eco-friendly ways to brighten their living spaces, rooflights are becoming many people’s go-to option.
These popular, practical architectural features are a low-cost way to flood your space with plenty of natural daylight. Not only are they minimally invasive, but they make use of your roof space functionally, as do solar panels.
Solar panel systems harness energy from the sun’s rays and convert it into useful electricity. Over 1.3 million UK households have solar panels already installed, and the number rises every year.
If you’re one of these people, you may be wondering if it’s possible to have both a solar installation and a rooflight on the same property. After all, why not get the best of both worlds?
Can you have solar panels and a rooflight on the same roof?
Yes, you can have both solar panels and a rooflight on one roof!
A professional installer can ensure your rooflight doesn’t cast shadows onto the PV system. They’ll also position your rooflight where the solar system doesn’t block its access to sunlight.
What are the benefits of installing rooflights on a roof with solar panels?
So, why double up on installations? By combining solar panels with a rooflight, you can reap the benefits of energy-efficient photovoltaic panels and increased levels of natural daylight.
Optimised roof utilisation
Rooflights can be strategically placed among solar panels to ensure every inch of roof space is used effectively: this is particularly beneficial in urban areas where roof space is at a premium.
Not to mention, your roof will serve a dual purpose. By generating electricity independently and introducing more natural light into the home, sustainable living becomes easier.
Enhanced natural light
Exposure to natural light has been linked to better mood, increased productivity, and even improved sleep patterns. Sunlight regulates our circadian rhythms, leading to a better quality of rest and a well-synched body clock.
Minimal shading risk
Your rooflight installer will carefully consider the sun’s path and position the solar panels in a way that minimises the risk of shadows.
As our rooflights are recessed and do not protrude from your existing roofline, you won’t need to worry about an effect on your solar panel efficiency.
What should be considered when planning the installation of rooflights?
Once you’ve decided that a dual rooflight and solar panel pairing would work well for your home, what is there left to consider?
Structural requirements
Before launching into your installation, the TuffX team will assess the structural integrity of your roof: this is to ensure it can handle the weight of the product. TuffX rooflights are designed to sit level with the roof tiles, so they are typically installed on flat roofs.
We’ll ensure your home can accommodate this type of installation without compromising its strength or stability.
Thermal efficiency
To help with energy efficiency, your rooflights must have thermal insulation properties. At TuffX, we offer double or triple glazing with U-values of 1.2 w/m² and 0.7 w/m²!
Glazing like this can help to minimise heat transfer by reducing heat loss in winter and limiting heat gain in summer.
Aesthetic integration
Rooflights aren’t just about practicality; they should also look good! Luckily, our products come with an Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016) powder-coated aluminium frame as standard.
This frame offers a sleek, modern look, but if this isn’t your style, we also offer different finishes for proper aesthetic integration.
Glazing options
Of course, you’ll need to put the finishing touch on your new purchase with a choice of glazing. Depending on the room your rooflight will be installed above, homeowners may want different levels of privacy and light transmission.
At TuffX, you can choose between clear, solar, and privacy glass.
Planning permission
Although DIY enthusiasts may feel confident in their ability to install a rooflight themselves, we recommend professional installation.
When you purchase a TuffX rooflight, our experienced installers will use their skills to ensure the product is properly integrated into the roof structure (with appropriate waterproofing and insulation) and in compliance with UK building regulations.
Can rooflights improve the energy efficiency of a home with solar panels?
Natural lighting
Rooflights significantly reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, which can lead to gradual energy savings.
Thermal gain
By allowing sunlight to heat your home naturally during cooler months, rooflights can contribute to thermal gain. There can be a reduced demand on your heating system due to the influx of natural heat.
Ventilation
Openable rooflights are a natural form of ventilation. You can cool down your home throughout summer without an over-reliance on air conditioning units or electric fans.
Solar panel efficiency
While the rooflights themselves do not directly increase the efficiency of solar panels, careful placement can ensure they don’t cast shadows on the panels (which could otherwise reduce their energy output).
Choose TuffX for professional rooflight installation
When it comes to rooflights and solar panels, it’s not always one or the other.
If your roof is structurally sound and has enough space to ensure both products perform at peak capability (basically, both your rooflight and solar panels have access to the sun), then why not combine the two?
A solar system will help your home become more energy efficient, and a TuffX rooflight could help reduce your electricity bills. By flooding your space with daylight and minimising heat transfer, you can make your home a warmer, well-lit place.