As the cost of energy continues to rise, many of our residential park home owners are considering solar panels as a sustainable energy solution. It’s a smart way to reduce your carbon footprint and potentially save money on energy bills. But installing solar panels on a park home comes with unique considerations that differ from traditional properties.
- Legal requirements and permissions specific to residential park homes
- Structural considerations for park home roofs
- Cost benefits and financial returns
- Choosing appropriate solar systems for park home specifications
- Real-life examples from our communities
Can you legally install solar panels on a park home?
The short answer is yes, you can legally install solar panels on a residential park home, but there are important considerations to be aware of. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar homes, residential park homes fall under different regulatory frameworks.
In most cases, solar panel installations on residential park homes are considered “permitted development,” which means you don’t need formal planning permission from local authorities. However, this doesn’t mean you can simply proceed without any checks or balances.
At our Leedons Residential Park, we require written approval before any modifications to your park home, including solar panel installations. This is to ensure that:
- The installation meets safety standards
- The panels are appropriate for your specific park home’s structure
- The installation won’t negatively impact neighbouring homes
- The appearance aligns with park standards
The Mobile Homes Act provides protection for homeowners who wish to make improvements to their homes, including renewable energy installations. However, park owners can refuse permission if there are valid concerns about the impact on the site or other residents.
We’re supportive of residents who want to embrace renewable energy solutions, but we need to ensure installations are carried out properly. If you’re considering solar panels for your park home at Broadway Park or Leedons Residential, please speak with our park manager first to understand the specific requirements.
Park home roof structures: what you need to know
Park home roof structures differ significantly from traditional houses, which has important implications for solar panel installation. Most residential park homes feature lightweight roof constructions using timber frames covered with felt, metal, or bonded roof coverings.
Weight considerations are paramount when installing solar panels on a park home. Standard residential park homes aren’t typically designed to bear the additional weight of solar panel systems, which can range from 15-20kg per panel plus mounting equipment.
Key structural factors to consider include:
- Roof load capacity – typically lower than traditional homes
- Roof material – some coverings may require special mounting systems
- Timber frame integrity – may need reinforcement
- Roof orientation – south-facing is optimal for maximum efficiency
- Roof pitch – affects the mounting system required
Before installation, a qualified solar installer should conduct a structural assessment of your park home roof. They’ll determine if reinforcement is needed and recommend the most appropriate mounting system.
Lightweight solar panel options are available specifically designed for structures with limited load-bearing capacity. These panels use different materials and construction techniques to reduce weight while maintaining efficiency.
Remember that our residential park homes at Leedons and Broadway are built to BS3632 standards, which ensures a certain level of quality and durability. However, as these homes were constructed at different times, the specific roof structure may vary between properties.
Benefits and cost considerations for park home solar panels
Installing solar panels on your residential park home can offer substantial benefits, particularly for those living on fixed incomes during retirement.
Financial advantages include:
- Reduced electricity bills – solar panels can cut your energy costs by 50-70%
- Protection against rising energy prices
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments for excess electricity you generate
- Potential increase in property value
For a typical park home installation of 6-8 panels (approximately 2kW system), you can expect to pay between £3,000-£5,000. This is generally less expensive than installations for traditional homes due to the smaller roof area and system size required.
The return on investment typically ranges from 7-12 years, depending on your energy usage patterns and the efficiency of your system. With most systems guaranteed for 25 years, this means you’ll enjoy more than a decade of effectively free electricity after the payback period.
Additional costs to consider include:
- Roof reinforcement if required (£500-£1,000)
- Battery storage systems (£2,000-£4,000) if you want to store excess energy
- Inverter replacement (approximately every 10 years)
- Annual maintenance and cleaning
It’s worth noting that solar panel efficiency has improved dramatically in recent years, with modern panels generating more electricity in smaller spaces and even working effectively in the British climate with our frequent cloudy days.
For residents of our parks who are over 50, solar panels offer a way to fix a significant portion of your energy costs for decades to come, providing financial security against unpredictable energy markets.
How to choose the right solar system for your park home
Selecting the appropriate solar system for your park home requires careful consideration of several factors specific to residential park properties.
System sizing considerations:
Park homes typically have smaller roof areas and lower energy consumption compared to traditional houses. A 2-3kW system is usually sufficient for a standard park home, which translates to approximately 6-10 panels depending on their wattage.
When selecting panels, look for:
- Lightweight options (ideally under 12kg per panel)
- High efficiency ratings to maximise limited roof space
- Durability and weather resistance suitable for British conditions
- Solid manufacturer warranties (minimum 25 years)
Monocrystalline panels are often the best choice for park homes as they offer the highest efficiency in limited spaces. These panels are recognisable by their uniform dark appearance and rounded edges.
Mounting systems specifically designed for park home roofs are essential. These typically use lightweight aluminium rails with special fixings that don’t compromise your roof’s integrity.
Battery storage is worth considering, especially if you’re at home during the day. Modern battery systems allow you to store excess electricity generated during daylight hours for use in the evening, maximising your self-consumption and reducing reliance on the grid.
When selecting an installer, ensure they have specific experience with park homes. Ask for references from previous park home installations and check they’re MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified, which is essential for accessing any available incentives.
Remember that energy efficiency measures such as improved insulation and LED lighting can enhance the benefits of your solar installation by reducing your overall energy consumption.
Real experiences: solar panels on Arden Parks homes
Several of our residents at both Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park have successfully installed solar panels on their park homes, with generally positive experiences and outcomes.
John and Margaret, who have lived at Leedons Residential Park for over five years, installed a 2.5kW system consisting of 8 panels in 2021. They report that their electricity bills have reduced by approximately 60% during summer months and 30% during winter.
“The installation process was straightforward and took just two days,” John explains. “We made sure to get written permission from the park manager first and used an installer who specialises in park homes. The system has performed brilliantly, even during cloudy days.”
Another resident, David from Broadway Park, opted for a smaller 1.8kW system with battery storage. “Adding the battery made a huge difference,” he notes. “We can use our own electricity in the evening when we need it most, rather than sending it back to the grid during the day.”
Common observations from our residents include:
- Minimal maintenance requirements – occasional cleaning only
- No noise or disruption once installed
- Reliable performance even in typical British weather
- Satisfaction in reducing their carbon footprint
- Peace of mind against rising energy costs
While most experiences have been positive, some residents highlight the importance of choosing the right installer. Those who selected companies with specific park home experience reported smoother installations with fewer complications.
We’ve also noticed a community effect, where successful installations have encouraged neighbours to consider solar panels for their own homes. This has created informal support networks where residents share advice and recommendations.
If you’re considering solar panels for your home at one of our parks, we’re happy to put you in touch with residents who have already installed systems and can share their first-hand experiences.
Conclusion
Installing solar panels on your residential park home is not only possible but can be a smart investment for reducing energy costs and increasing sustainability. With proper planning, appropriate system selection, and park approval, you can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy while maintaining the integrity of your park home.
If you’re a resident at Leedons Residential Park or Broadway Park and interested in exploring solar options for your home, we recommend starting with a conversation with our park manager. They can guide you through our approval process and help you understand any specific considerations for your particular plot.
For prospective park home buyers, knowing that solar panel installation is a possibility offers additional flexibility in how you manage your energy costs in the future.
The transition to cleaner energy is an important consideration for many of our residents, and we’re committed to supporting sustainable living options within our communities where appropriate and safely implemented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will solar panels affect my park home insurance?
Most insurance providers will cover solar panel installations, but you should notify your insurer before proceeding. The panels may increase the rebuild value of your home, which could affect your premium. Some specialist park home insurers offer specific coverage for renewable energy installations.
How do solar panels perform in British weather?
Modern solar panels work effectively even in cloudy conditions, though they generate more electricity on sunny days. The UK receives sufficient sunlight to make solar panels worthwhile, especially during spring and summer months. Annual energy production estimates take British weather patterns into account.
Can I take my solar panels with me if I sell my park home?
Technically yes, but it’s rarely practical or cost-effective to remove and reinstall a solar system. Solar panels typically add value to your park home, so most owners leave them in place when selling. If you do wish to remove them, you’ll need to restore the roof to its original condition.
How long do solar panels last on a park home?
Most solar panels come with a 25-year performance warranty, though they often continue working well beyond this period. The inverter (which converts DC electricity from the panels to AC for home use) typically needs replacement after 10-15 years. Annual maintenance checks are recommended to ensure optimal performance.
Do I need to clean park home solar panels?
Solar panels are largely self-cleaning thanks to rainfall, but an annual cleaning can improve efficiency by removing built-up dirt or bird droppings. For park homes, cleaning is relatively easy due to the low roof height. Some residents use extendable cleaning tools or hire professional cleaners for this task.
