Are you looking for solar panels on a difficult roof? If you have an older home, a slate roof, a steep pitch, or something a bit out of the ordinary, you may already have heard this,
“That roof will cost extra.”
For many homeowners, this is where solar conversations suddenly feel uncomfortable. Quotes increase, vague surcharges appear, or installers simply say they are not interested.
At Novus Energy, we take a different approach.
We do not charge extra just because a roof is difficult, and there is a very deliberate reason why.
What Installers Mean by “Difficult Roofs”
In the solar world, a “difficult” roof usually means,
- Natural slate
- Yorkshire stone
- Older or character properties
- Steep roof pitches
- Non-standard tile sizes
- Fragile or irregular materials
These roofs are common across Yorkshire and older parts of the UK, and they are not a problem when handled correctly.
The issue is not the roof, it is the installer’s experience and planning.
Why Many Installers Add Extra Charges
Let’s be honest about what usually happens. Some installers price cheaply to win the job, then add extras later for:
- Additional labour
- Specialist fixings
- Slower installation times
- More careful handling of materials
Others avoid these roofs altogether because,
- They take longer
- They require roofing knowledge, not just electrical skills
- Mistakes are more visible and costly
Instead of building this into their business properly, they pass the risk and cost onto the homeowner.
Why We Don’t See Difficult Roofs as an “Extra”
We work across Yorkshire and surrounding areas, where older properties are the norm, not the exception. That means:
- Slate roofs are standard for us
- Stone roofs are expected
- Steep pitches are planned for, not feared
We price our systems based on the reality of local housing, not on idealised new-build roofs.
So instead of charging extra, we build the right approach in from the start.
Experience Is the Difference
Difficult roofs are not solved with cheaper panels or rushed installs.
They require:
- Correct roof-specific fixings
- Careful tile removal and reinstatement
- Time to inspect roof condition properly
- Installers who understand roofing as well as solar
Our team is trained to treat the roof as part of the system, not just something panels sit on.
Protecting the Roof Comes First
We would rather take longer and do it properly than rush and risk damage.
That includes:
- Replacing cracked tiles as we go
- Using fixings designed for the exact roof type
- Ensuring everything is reinstated watertight
- Leaving the roof in the same or better condition than before
Charging extra for care does not sit right with us. Care should be standard.
Transparent Pricing Builds Trust
When people are quoted extra for “difficult roofs”, it often feels arbitrary.
We believe:
- Homeowners should know the full cost upfront
- Roof type should not be used as a scare tactic
- Older homes should not be penalised for their character
By pricing fairly from the beginning, we remove uncertainty and build long-term trust.
When a Roof Really Does Need Attention
Honesty matters here too.
If a roof,
- Is already failing
- Has rotten battens or felt
- Needs repairs before solar is safe
We will tell you.
That is not an extra charge for solar, that is protecting your home before any work is done.
The Bigger Picture
Many of the homes that benefit most from solar are older properties with higher energy costs.
Penalising those homes with added charges makes no sense.
Solar should be accessible, well designed, and respectful of the building it sits on.
That is why we do not charge extra just because a roof is “difficult”.
So Why Don’t We Charge Extra?
Because,
- Older roofs are normal where we work
- Experience should be standard, not a premium
- Care and good design should not cost more
- Transparent pricing matters
Your roof is not a problem to solve, it is part of your home to respect.
If you have an older property, slate roof, stone roof, or something a bit unusual and want honest advice without surprise costs. Simply fill out the form below or give us a call on 01422 768113.