Solar panels rarely cause roof leaks. When roof leaks occur after solar panel installation, they usually become evident within the first year.
Solar panels should not cause a leaking roof when installed correctly. However, incorrect installation or shoddy workmanship can lead to leaks. In both cases, the leak can usually be fixed, but it might be more extensive than resolving a wiring issue.
1. Are the panels subject to a rooftop lease? The most important question to ask is whether or not, as the new owner of the property, you would own the panels outright. Several companies were set up between 2011 and 2019, offering to install and maintain solar panels for free.
Installing solar panels on roofs that are over thirty years old can cause damage due to existing deterioration in the plywood or rafters under the roof. The added stress from the solar installation can make these weak spots more prone to leaks, causing further damage.
If the panels were owned by a rent-a-roof, there would be a covenant in the freehold details which would have appeared on the searches by the solicitor at the Land Registry. As suggested in post#6 there could well be solar thermal panels - i.e. used to heat water. This discussion has been closed.
While an individual can own the solar PV panels installed at their property, there are instances where the owner of an installation may be different from the owner of the property or site at which the installation is located.