Solar panels on weak flat roofs: the opportunity for installers and wholesalers
The C&I market as a growth engine for solar energy
The solar energy sector continues to develop rapidly. While the residential market in the Netherlands has seen a significant decline – with a 50% drop in solar panel sales in 2024 – the commercial and industrial (C&I) market will remain a stable growth sector (National Solar Trend Report 2025). Why? Companies see solar energy not only as a sustainable solution, but also as a strategic investment to reduce energy costs and be less dependent on the grid.
At the same time, there are major challenges that could slow this growth. In addition to grid congestion, a roof structure that is too weak is one of the biggest obstacles for solar installations on commercial buildings. Research by SystemIQ en RVO indicates that 52% of flat roofs in the Netherlands are not suitable for traditional ballast-driven systems due to a too low carrying capacity. This leaves a huge potential untapped, while the demand for solar energy continues to rise.
The challenge: weak roofs and solar energy
The Netherlands belongs with 28 GWp of installed solar panels among the leaders in Europe, but we must and can use the available space more intelligently.
- More than half of flat roofs have limited load-bearing capacity and cannot accommodate conventional mounting systems.
- Solar panel prices have dropped by 70% over the past three years, making solar energy more attractive than ever.
- Companies must become more sustainable to meet regulations and ESG goals, but without the right roofing solutions the energy transition will be slowed down
- The demand for innovative solutions is growing. Think of storage, but many companies are also looking for ways to integrate solar panels without major modifications to their roof.
The opportunity: weak roofs as untapped potential
At RABLE we have developed a mounting system that is specially designed for roofs with a low load-bearing capacity. How?
- Making new market segments accessible – installers and wholesalers can distinguish themselves with a unique solution that the competition does not yet offer.
- No ballast – our system distributes the weight and transfers it to the roof beams, without additional loading.
- Quick and easy installation – with just a few components, the system can be installed on the roof in no time, without the hassle of countless nuts and bolts.
- Only 6 kg/m² load-bearing capacity required – suitable for almost any flat roof, without expensive reinforcements or complex anchor installations.
The numbers: a market bigger than current assets
The Netherlands has 400 km² of commercial and agricultural roof surface, of which 70-75% consists of flat roofs (TNO). That means:
- 150 km² of roofs suitable for RABLE's mounting system
- 33 GW solar potential – more than current installed capacity!
Anyone who responds to this now will be at the forefront of a market with enormous growth opportunities.
Opportunities for wholesalers and installers
- Expand your offering: Install solar energy on previously unsuitable roofs.
- Offer a future-proof solution: Companies must become more sustainable – ensure that your offering matches this growing demand.
- Increase your sales potential: Competition in the residential market is increasing, but the C&I market continues to grow. By specializing in weak roofs, you gain a head start in a largely untapped segment.
Installers who work with RABLE rate us with 5 stars on Google.
Do you have projects that were cancelled due to a roof that was too weak? Contact us and discover how together we can make solar energy possible on all flat roofs!
Sources:
1. National Solar Trend Report 2025
2. Research by SystemIQ and RVO 2021
