Renewable energy is having its heyday at the moment, as everyone tries to do what they can to fight climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. So, homeowners will be interested to find out whether they will be able to fit solar panels on flat roof extensions in the future. 

Researchers at the University of York are testing how effective flat roof solar technology is compared with pitched roof ones.

These have been installed on a York University campus building, and data will be collected and analysed over the next 12 months. 

Dr Mahmoud Dhimish, a lecturer in electrical engineering at the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, said: “It is believed this technology can generate more energy in the morning and evening when electricity prices are higher, as well as being easier to install than the traditional panels made for pitched roofs.”

The scientists will also be looking at whether racking systems and tilted panels effectively reduce dust and bird droppings on the roofs, which can lower energy output from the panels as well as make them harder to maintain. 

Dr Dhimish noted the new technology could be more cost-effective, convenient, and easier to maintain, so these will be tested. 

The university is working with Norwegian start-up Over Easy Solar, which has begun testing for flat roof solar panels. 

Chief executive officer and founder of Easy Solar Trygve Mongstad said the panels have been tested since 2021 in Norway but this project will provide data from alternative climates. 

According to the Energy Saving Trust, the benefits of installing solar panels include cutting electricity bills, reducing carbon footprints and potentially receiving payment for any surplus energy generated.