Yes, you can put solar panels on a mobile home. The Energy Saving Trust confirms that solar panels can be installed on most roof types, including those on mobile homes, as long as the structure can support the weight and the roof is in good condition (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). A typical 3kWp system generates around 2,650 kWh per year, enough to offset a significant portion of a mobile home’s electricity use.
The key variable is roof load capacity. Mobile home roofs are often lighter than standard house roofs, so you need a structural assessment before installation. Lightweight panels, such as those with aluminium frames or flexible solar sheets, are common choices. You also need to check your park owner’s permission if your mobile home is on a rented plot. Most parks allow panels, but some may have restrictions on appearance or placement.
Roof suitability determines installation feasibility
Your mobile home roof must be strong enough to hold the panels. A standard solar panel weighs around 18–22 kg, and a 3kWp system typically adds 150–200 kg across the roof. The BRE advises that a structural survey should confirm the roof can bear this load (BRE, 2026). Flat or low-pitch roofs are common on mobile homes and work well with angled mounting frames. Avoid installing on roofs with significant wear, leaks, or single-layer felt, as these may need repairs first.
Grants and costs for mobile home solar panels
A 3kWp solar panel system for a mobile home typically costs between £4,500 and £6,500 installed, depending on panel type and roof complexity. The UK government’s ECO4 scheme may cover some costs for low-income households, including those in mobile homes, if you receive certain benefits (GOV.UK, 2026). You cannot access the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) if your mobile home is not connected to the grid, but off-grid systems with battery storage are common and cost roughly £1,500–£3,000 extra.
Electrical setup must follow UK safety regulations
All solar panel installations on mobile homes must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations and be carried out by an MCS-certified installer if you want to access grants or SEG payments (MCS, 2026). Off-grid systems require a charge controller and battery bank, sized to your daily usage. A typical mobile home uses 8–12 kWh per day, so a 3kWp system with a 5–10 kWh battery can cover most needs. Always use a registered electrician for final connections to avoid fire risk or invalidating insurance.
A worked example
For a typical 2020s mobile home on a rented park in the South West, a 2.4kWp solar PV system costs £4,800 fully installed including lightweight aluminium-framed panels and angled mounting frames. The Energy Saving Trust estimates this system generates roughly 2,100 kWh per year, saving a household around £420 annually on electricity bills at current price cap rates. The BUS grant does not apply to mobile homes as it covers heat pumps only, but the 0% VAT on energy-saving materials until March 2027 reduces the upfront cost by £240 from a typical £5,040 pre-VAT price. With the park owner’s written consent secured and a structural assessment from a BRE-registered engineer costing £250, the total outlay stands at £5,050. Payback on this investment takes just over 12 years, and over a 25-year panel lifespan the cumulative savings reach approximately £8,400 after accounting for inverter replacement at year 15.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Upfront cost after grants | £5,050 |
| Yearly savings | £420 |
| Payback period | 12 years |
| 25-year lifetime savings | £8,400 |
What homeowners often get wrong
The most common mistake is assuming you cannot put solar panels on a mobile home because the roof is too weak. Here are three frequent errors and how to avoid them.
- Ignoring the structural assessment Many owners skip the roof load check and buy standard panels that weigh 22 kg each. The right approach is to commission a BRE-accredited survey first, without it, a 150 kg system could damage the roof structure and void your park agreement.
- Forgetting park owner permission Owners on rented plots often install panels without written consent, risking eviction or removal orders. You must get approval in writing from the park owner before any work begins, most parks allow panels but may restrict visible cabling or panel colour.
- Choosing the wrong panel type Heavy glass panels are common on houses but add too much weight for many mobile home roofs. Lightweight flexible panels or thin-film modules weigh half as much and reduce structural stress, keeping your installation safe and compliant with park rules.
Quick reference
- A 2.4kWp solar system on a mobile home costs roughly £4,800 after 0% VAT and generates 2,100 kWh per year.
- Lightweight flexible solar panels weigh around 8–12 kg each compared to 18–22 kg for standard glass panels.
- Park owner permission is required for any installation on a rented mobile home plot, obtain it in writing before ordering equipment.
- Payback on a mobile home solar system averages 12 to 14 years with current electricity prices and the 0% VAT rate.
- Without a structural assessment, a 150 kg panel array can crack a lightweight mobile home roof and cost £2,000 or more to repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if the roof structure can support the weight and is in good condition. The Energy Saving Trust advises a structural survey before installation.
A 3kWp system for a mobile home costs between £4,000 and £6,000. Prices vary by panel type and installation complexity, according to industry estimates.
No, solar panels on mobile homes are usually permitted development, but you must check with your park owner if you rent the plot. The GOV.UK planning portal confirms this.
