Fitting a set of solar panels is an increasingly popular option for homeowners. Many want to avoid the ever-higher cost of energy bills, reduce their reliance on the national grid, lower their carbon footprints and even generate an additional passive income through excess energy – but, contrary to common misconceptions, solar panels aren’t ideal for every home.
It’s essential that you speak with an experienced, reputable, independent provider before proceeding with a solar panel installation project. There are countless options and variables, from solar energy batteries to the number of cells and brackets, all of which will depend on your home, energy usage needs, and the structure and angle of your roof.
We’ve put together a few pointers to help clarify when installing solar panels offers a great way to transform your roof into an energy-generating resource, and when solar installation may not be advisable.
Key Factors That Determine Whether Your Home Is Suited to a Solar Panel System
Before you install solar panels, step one is to commission a full survey of your roof. Solar installations can be heavy, and you need to know that your roof is stable, secure, and more than capable of bearing the weight of the panels and all the components that go into a fully functioning renewable energy system.
Older, damaged roofs may require repair work before the installation process can start. If you have a very steeply pitched or flat roof that simply isn’t a viable space, we might recommend an alternative energy production option, such as an air-source heat pump.
As a very concise summary, the best solar panel systems are fitted on roofs that:
- Are south-facing, with ample exposure to sunlight every day. East and west-facing roofs can be suited to solar panel installations, but this will depend on the location and pitch of the roof, since a solar energy system facing these directions will usually generate 15% to 20% less power.
- Have little or no shade, without trees, neighbouring buildings or natural features that hinder the amount of sunlight that hits the solar PV system.
Another consideration applies if your home is in a conservation area or you have a listed property. Generally, solar panel systems are classed as permitted developments, which means you won’t need to go through a formal planning permission process.
However, this isn’t universal, and if planning consent is likely to be a factor in your overall installation costs, you’ll need to account for this and ensure your solar panels still fit into your budget.
Choosing the Right Size and Capacity Solar Panels for Your Property
Next, it’s important to consider the units of electricity you need every day to heat your home and water, especially during the winter when your electricity bills are undoubtedly at their highest. There isn’t a standard solar PV system, and a lot will depend on the size of your home, the number of occupants, and your property’s energy efficiency rating.
It is common for homeowners to either spend more than they should on an expensive solar panel system that they don’t necessarily need or underestimate their energy usage requirements and end up still needing to use more electricity than they would like when their solar battery is depleted.
The average residential solar panel system has a 3.5 kWp (kilowatt peak). Still, you could opt for a compact two-kw system for a smaller home and household, or a larger five-kw system if your energy demands are greater.
Likewise, the energy efficiency of your solar panels, and the quality of the brand, will dictate how well your solar system works. Therefore, a highly efficient system might mean you need fewer cells and panels but have a more reliable green energy supply.
Once we’ve determined the size and capacity of the system you need, we’ll also advise on how this impacts the practicalities of installing solar panels if those panels are likely to be visible. To give you an idea, an average-sized solar power system with between six and 12 panels covers 10 to 20 square metres of roof space.
Fitting Solar Batteries and Diverters Alongside Your Solar Panels
We mentioned briefly the potential to sell excess solar energy back to the grid, through the Smart Export Guarantee. This can be a good way to maximise the cost-effectiveness of your solar energy system, particularly if you have a south-facing roof and know that your system will produce more energy than you’re likely to need.
There are several optional accessories you can choose to have fitted at the same time as your solar panels, but again, this will depend on your budget and requirements.
If you plan on storing solar energy for on-demand use, extending your energy independence even when there is little sunlight, you will need a solar battery, which stores that power until you need it.
It’s also wise to consider a battery if you want to sell excess energy. Although this isn’t mandatory, it’s the best way to ensure surplus power isn’t wasted. Homeowners will need to ensure their solar panel installation is properly certified, has a smart meter, and is registered with an energy supplier that offers Smart Export Guarantee tariffs.
Finally, you may need a solar diverter, another optional component that sends surplus electricity to your immersion heater rather than the grid and enables you to store hot water for later use. Although this carries a cost, a diverter is a great option if you want to use solar power for as much of your heating and hot water as possible.
Professional Guidance Around Solar Panel Installation Projects
As we’ve seen, solar panel installations can be complex, and there are numerous decisions to make about the size, placement, number, brand and efficiency of the solar panels, as well as the accessories, components and storage solutions you need.
If you’d like to speak with one of the Pinnacle Works renewable energy experts, check whether your roof is suited to solar panels, or gain independent advice about the best ways to switch to a greener, eco-friendly energy system, you are welcome to get in touch anytime.