Effective solar specification and installation for care homes

As the cost of energy continues to rise, care homes are facing increasing pressure to continue providing high-quality care while also managing operating expenses. With many facilities looking for ways to become more sustainable, solar PV for care homes also provides a way to reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

In this article, we’ll discuss the key considerations for effective solar specification and installation for care homes, helping to ensure long-term performance, safety and reliability.

What are the benefits of installing solar panels in care homes?

Care homes often have large roofs, and they use a significant amount of energy during daylight hours when solar panels are generating electricity – this makes them ideal candidates for solar power. 

Stuart Nicholson, Managing Director at Marley, explains: “Including solar panels, such as the Marley SolarTile®,  in a care home helps to bring down energy costs without compromising the comfort of residents or staff.” He also points out the sustainability benefits: “With increasing concerns about climate change and a drive towards net zero, the addition of solar panels can also contribute to a care home’s environmental targets.”

When paired with battery storage, solar panels can also provide a degree of backup power in the event of an outage. While solar batteries are not suitable for running critical medical systems, they can help to maintain lighting and other basic services if there is an interruption in the main supply.

Stuart notes that the Marley SolarTile® has been installed in a variety of healthcare settings. “When the outpatient block at Spire Health Care required re-roofing, Marley SolarTile® was combined with Ludlow Major tiles to create an attractive roof that will be reducing the unit’s electricity costs for years to come.”

Roof-mounted or roof-integrated solar panels – what’s the right choice for a care home?

Solar panels for pitched roofs are available in two main types: roof-mounted and roof-integrated.

• Roof-mounted systems provide a straightforward approach to attaching solar panels to an existing roof, using specialist fixings that hold the solar panels in place just above the roof plane. However, the gap that’s created can accumulate debris and provide shelter to birds and other pests. Roof-mounted solar systems can also increase imposed loads and wind loading on the roof structure, so upgrades to the roof structure may be required prior to installation.
• Roof-integrated systems, such as the Marley SolarTile®, replace a section of the roof covering so the solar panel sits flush with the roof plane. This provides a more streamlined appearance, which can work well for care homes wishing to create a more welcoming and homely atmosphere. It also reduces wind loading and mitigates the risk of debris build-up and animal intruders under the solar panels. Since roof-integrated solar panels replace roofing materials, they can reduce the amount spent on roof tiles. The light weight of roof-integrated systems, compared to roof-mounted systems, also means that there is less impact on the roof structure. 

While roof-integrated solar panels offer a number of benefits over roof-mounted systems, retrofit installations can be more difficult, as they require removing large sections of roof tiles. However, this added difficulty may be offset by any structural improvements that a roof-mounted system could require. 

For new-build or re-roofing projects, the complexities of roof-integrated solar panels are less of a concern, as the panels can be designed into the roof from the planning stages.

How big should a solar array be for a care home?

Choosing the right size solar array for a care home will depend on a variety of factors, Stuart explains. “Specifiers will need to consider factors such as the care home’s energy use, as well as the amount of available roof space, local weather conditions, roof orientation and pitch and the capacity of the selected solar panels, as well as the budget and desired yearly savings.”

As a rough guide, the number of panels needed can be estimated by dividing annual energy consumption (in kWh) by the expected annual output per panel. However, Stuart warns that this number should only be used as a starting point. “For a more accurate specification, it’s best to get in touch with the Marley technical team early in the design process. Our solar experts will carry out a full assessment of the project requirements and location and then determine the best solar system for the care home.”

Structural considerations for solar installations in care homes

As part of specifying solar panels for care homes, the roof structure must be assessed to ensure it can accommodate the weight of the panels. This is especially important for roof-mounted systems since the roof structure will need to support the solar panels as well as the roofing materials. Stuart notes that in roof-integrated systems, weight is less of an issue: “Since roof-integrated solar panels often weigh less than the roof tiles they are replacing, they can actually reduce the imposed load on the roof structure.”

Wind loading is another concern for solar panel installations for care homes, particularly in exposed or coastal locations. As discussed above, the space between roof-mounted solar panels and the roof surface can lead to additional wind loading. Roof-integrated systems, on the other hand, offer better resistance to wind uplift thanks to their flush installation.
For retrofit projects, additional reinforcement may be needed to ensure the structural stability. In new-build and re-roofing projects, any additional structural requirements can easily be accommodated during the design phase. 

Should roof pitch and orientation be considered when specifying solar panels for care homes?

Roof pitch and orientation can both influence the performance of a care home’s solar PV system – but their impact may not be as significant as you may think. Stuart explains: “In the northern hemisphere, south-facing roofs offer the best solar efficiency because they receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day. However, Marley SolarTile® actually performs well on any unobstructed roof face – whether east-, west- or even north-facing.”

Similarly, the roof pitch can also play a part in optimising electricity generation. Stuart says: “A pitch between 30° and 40° is generally considered ideal, but Marley SolarTile® is designed for any roof pitch from 20–60°, giving specifiers more design flexibility.”

In addition to roof pitch and orientation, specifiers should assess the site carefully and note anything that could cause shading on the solar panels. Stuart warns: “Trees, other buildings and even hills can significantly reduce the amount of electricity the solar system provides to the care home, so be sure to plan accordingly – and think about how a site may change over the years as trees grow and new buildings are constructed.” 

Do solar panels for care homes need planning permission?

In most cases, solar panels for care homes can be installed under permitted development rights, meaning that planning permission is not required. However, there are exceptions. For example, if the care home is located in a listed building or a conservation area, planning consent may be necessary.

Fire safety when specifying solar panels for care homes

Fire safety is always a top priority, and in care homes, where residents may have limited mobility, it is especially important.

While the fire risks associated with solar panels are minimal, it's important to acknowledge them and ensure that installations comply with fire safety standards.

Stuart points out: “Research has shown that solar PV systems pose a lower fire risk than many common household appliances. However, poor-quality installation or faulty components can create safety hazards, such as electrical arcs. He adds: “So it’s essential to use high-quality products, have them installed by trained professionals and ensure that electrical connections are made by qualified electricians.”

For additional fire protection, Marley’s ArcBox mitigates risks associated with arcing. Designed to snap in place around DC connectors, the ArcBox contains the arc and prevents sparks from spreading to combustible materials on the roof.

Marley SolarTile® is the only roof-integrated solar system to have achieved the highest resistance to spread of flame and fire penetration in all European fire safety tests – BRoof T1, T2, T3 and T4.

Are solar batteries suitable for care home solar systems?

Solar batteries can be combined with a care home’s solar panels to store excess energy generated during the day. This energy can then be used in the evenings or on cloudy days to reduce reliance on grid electricity.

In addition, solar batteries can be used as backup power for lighting, heating and other non-essential loads during a power outage. However, they are not suitable for powering critical systems such as medical equipment. Dedicated backup systems should be in place to provide uninterrupted supplies in emergency situations.

Care home solar systems from Marley

Solar PV systems can bring a wide range of benefits to care homes, from reducing energy bills and helping to ensure occupant comfort to supporting environmental goals. And, as part of the Marley complete roofing, the Marley SolarTile® makes it easy to plan and install high-performance solar systems.

To find out more about specifying Marley’s SolarTile® for care homes or other healthcare projects, please get in touch.