How You Can Be Part Of Manchester’s Solar Panel Drive

Daniel Bracewell • 1 August 2023

The extraordinary hot weather witnessed in much of Europe and the unprecedented 40 degree C temperatures seen in the UK last summer have provided more stark evidence of the need to act to limit global warming, and everyone can do something to tackle the problem.

While it is easy to point fingers at industries, governments or energy firms that mine coal or drill for oil and gas, everyone can play a part from adopting electric vehicles to using less energy.

Those whose homes have flat roofing in Manchester may have a particular incentive to have these equipped to accommodate solar panels, as this will contribute to wider efforts in the city to be greener, led by the council.

In its efforts to meet a net zero carbon target by 2038, the council is aiming to reach 10,000 on its properties as soon as possible. It has revealed it is now on course to get very close to this in 2023, with 9,859 in place.

The drive began in 2022, with 6,897 panels installed so far. Some of the largest arrays have been fitted at sites such as Hough End Leisure Centre, Wythenshawe Forum and Moss Side Leisure Centre, with 2,962 lined up for projects before the end of this year, including Didsbury Library and the Manchester Aquatics Centre.

Executive member for environment and transport at the council Tracy Rawlins said: “Renewables such as solar power, even in rainy Manchester, provide a viable and unlimited source of energy for buildings across the city.”

You will normally need planning permission for solar panels on a flat roof, but given the approach taken by the council you can expect a sympathetic response.

Having solar panels on a flat roof does mean they will need protection against becoming unstable in high winds, but they are not hard to maintain, relatively cheap to install and will not be visually intrusive, the last factor potentially being important in helping gain planning permission.

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Can You Install Solar Panels On A Flat Roof?

by Daniel Bracewell • 10 December 2025

If you’re exploring how to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, you may be looking at the likes of solar panels for your home. But what if your property has a flat roof rather than a pitched roof? Can you still install solar panels on a flat roof? The short answer is yes, you can! In fact, it is often easier to install solar panels on a flat roof than it is to fit them to a sloped roof, which might make this an even more appealing avenue to explore when you’re looking at flat roof ideas . In many cases, you also don’t need planning permission to install solar panels on your flat roof. Of course, there are exceptions if you have a listed building or live in a conservation area, but if you own your house (different rules apply for flats too), you should be free to add solar panels to your home as you choose. There are different kinds of mounting systems for flat roof solar panels and which is most appropriate for your home will depend on the direction it faces. It is worth noting that the cost of installing solar panels is often higher on flat roofs because of the mounting system, but some of this can be offset by the lower labour costs because the installation process is usually more straightforward. One of the main reasons homeowners install solar panels is to reduce their energy bills. Many report savings of hundreds of pounds each year, which means these panels often pay for themselves relatively quickly. What’s more, under the Smart Export Guarantee , you can sell any energy you don’t use back to the National Grid, which can increase the rate at which your investment in solar panels pays for itself. So, if you are exploring ways to make the most of your flat roof, consider solar panels as an option to reduce your energy bills and do good for the environment.