UK on fast track with rooftop solar panels

TapcoSlate® and DaVinci Select Shake Tiles compatible with solar panel installations.

The UK’s rush to capture as much solar energy power as possible is working. Recent reports show that in March of 2026, 27,607 new solar installations were completed in the UK - the highest monthly deployment since 2012.* Of those, 66% were on domestic properties. 

The race for the “liquid gold from the sky” follows the Solar Energy UK plans for 1.6 million rooftops to feature solar panels by 2030, with solar technologies enhancing one in every 20 structures. This noble energy-saving goal is enticing to homeowners hoping to save on rising energy bills, and those who wish to do their part in helping the environment. 

Not all roofs are the same 

“We applaud every person planning to employ solar panels onto their roofs,” says Michael Winter, general manager at Tapco Roofing Products. “At the same time, we also remind both homeowners and roofers to do their research on the types of roofing tiles that work best and are fully compliant with solar panels.” 

Natural slate and shake roofing materials are often difficult to work with solar panels. Both can crack and break with the installation of the panels, along with when people walk on the roof for servicing and maintenance of the panels. However, lightweight composite slate and shake tiles, moulded to exactly replicate the natural roofing materials, offer more durability and can be walked on. 

Reliable composite slate products 

The team at Nu-Look Conservatory Roof Solutions in Northampton exclusively uses TapcoSlate® tiles for all their conservatory roof installations. According to company leaders, the recyclable virgin limestone and polypropylene products are lightweight, durable, energy efficient and are backed by a 40-year warranty.  

Solar panels can easily be fixed to TapcoSlate by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Brackets should be fixed to the wood structure of the roof (and not just using TapcoSlate as an anchor) and any fixings/brackets through the slate should be properly sealed with a butyl-based sealant to prevent water ingress into the roof space. 

Additionally, the roofing product is fully tested to BBA, UKTA and ETA standards, and has UKCA and CE marking, including fire rating, wind, driven snow and rain, plus water absorption. BRE testing for wind-driven rain found TapcoSlate to perform much stronger than all equivalent materials tested and at a lower pitch. 

At Green and Heritage Roofing, in Halifax, their skilled team orchestrated a reroofing project featuring TapcoSlate, Viridian Clearline solar PV panels and Velux roof windows. The complex project shows how homeowners can work with roofers to transform their old roofs into energy-saving roofs that provide long-lasting benefits. 

Shaking up roofs 

For those homeowners looking to add solar panels to roofs with shake products, durable DaVinci Select Shake tiles are the answer. The state-of-the-art roofing tile is made of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilisers, plus fire retardant. Lightweight yet durable, the tiles are ideal for matching up to solar panels. 

“The authentic wood profiles make DaVinci Select Shake the most realistic composite roofing product available in the UK,” says Winter. “They have a BROOF(t4) fire rating and an amazing 40-year warranty for peace of mind. Plus, these deeply-grooved tiles resist rotting, cracks, pests and algae.” 

The next step 

TapcoSlate Roofing Products provide UK roofers and homeowners with the best composite products in the marketplace and contribute to environmental sustainability. More details on advantages of both TapcoSlate and DaVinci Select Shake tiles can be obtained at  Tapco Roofing Products or by contacting info@tapcoslate.com.