Leading the way for sustainable solar panel installations

As the UK transitions to a greener future, new policies are transforming the construction landscape. From 2027, all new-build homes in England will need to include solar panels, as part of updated building regulations which aim to reduce emissions and energy bills. This shift reflects important environmental progress – and also raises questions about installation best practice to ensure solar panel arrays last the distance.

Weatherproof lead flashing for solar panels

When installing solar panels, flashing is essential to weatherproof the area where the panels meet the roof surface. Synthetic alternatives can be used, but they come with a known risk: wind uplift. Over time, lighter synthetic flashings can loosen or shift. This compromises the integrity of both roof and solar panels, leading to potential roof leaks and reducing the system’s lifespan.

So why is lead a good alternative? We’re glad you asked 😊

Lead is naturally heavier, more flexible, and extremely durable – qualities that make it ideal for roofing applications. It sits flush, resists uplift, and lasts for decades. With unpredictable weather set to continue in the UK, you can be reassured that lead will withstand harsh winter weather conditions including heavy wind and rain. Lead also has a much higher melting point than synthetic alternatives, reducing any risk of fire in particularly hot weather.

A tailor-made solution for solar panel installers

Midland Lead supplies lead in various standard sizes, including a tailor-made 1.5 metre ready-to-use lead sheet roll, perfectly designed for solar panel installations. 1.5m is the maximum length recommended to accommodate thermal movement caused by temperature changes.

In fact, our specialist lead sheet rolls for solar-panel installers have many benefits:

• No on-site cutting – minimising waste and installation time
• Easy to handle – light enough for one roofer to carry safely, supporting better manual handling practices
• Ready to use – simply pick it up and take it straight to site, or we can deliver to site or merchant for you
• Cut to your size – need a different size to 1.5m? No problem. We’ll supply in the size you need.

Lead – the sustainable solution for greener homes

The government’s 2027 solar panel target signals an important step forward in energy-efficient construction. Here at Midland Lead, we’ve had sustainability at the heart of our operations for decades. All of our lead is 100% recyclable from trusted sources – it’s a fully circular, EPD certified product with a 60-year guarantee. In fact, investing in our very own solar panels (569 panels across our manufacturing site, which produce energy savings of 210,000 kWh per year) is just one of the initiatives that lead to us receiving the King’s Award for Sustainability in 2024.

Collaborating with industry

At Midland Lead, we love working with organisations who share our passion for sustainability.  Carbon3 are decarbonisation specialists who help many stakeholders reach their sustainability and ESG goals. Their solar PV systems offer both businesses and social housing an eco-friendly way to generate electricity, harnessing the power of the sun.

Midland Lead supplies Carbon3 with lead flashings for solar panels on new-build homes. We’re proud to be an important part of solar array installations that will not only decrease carbon emissions, but also provide the residents with warmer homes, lower energy costs and the potential to qualify for ‘green’ mortgages.

As the roofing and solar industries prepare for an influx of new-build solar projects, lead remains the tried-and-tested material of choice for many contractors and roofers. If you need advice on meeting the updated building regs, or would like to talk to an expert on the use of lead in roof flashings, just contact us. Our friendly experts would love to chat!