Is my home suitable for solar PV panels?

What happens when solar panel installations are completed? Find out if your home is suitable.
It is not as disruptive to get your solar panels installed as you might think. According to our survey, 94% said that getting their solar panels installed wasn’t disruptive.

Preparing for your solar panel installation requires that you check your home and determine whether or not you need planning permission.

How long does solar panels take to put up?

You’ll probably need scaffolding for solar panels being installed on your rooftop.

The installation of the panels may take less than one day once the scaffolding has been put up. Roofers will fix the brackets to the roof rafters. It is imperative that a qualified surveyor visits your loft to inspect the roof and roof rafters. The fixing brackets are then used to secure the solar panels.

The complexity and size of your system will impact the time it takes to install. Get an estimate from your installer so you’re ready.

Ask the surveyor to confirm that scaffolding is possible and that it is included in your estimate.

Are solar PV panels possible in my home?

If your roof faces south with little or no shade, you might consider solar PV panels.

A south-facing roof will deliver the greatest power output. However, a southwest- or southeast-facing rooftop should be sufficient.

However, the system would draw less power and you could save more on your electricity bill.

The following factors will determine how much solar panels Ashford can generate energy and how much money they could make.

The tilt angle of the roof and its orientation
Where you live: For instance, the South West receives more sun than North America. This could have an impact on how much electricity your system produces, but it is not significant.

Six out of ten rural solar panel owners generate more than 2500kWh annually. * The amount generated by urban panel owners is less than half that of urban ones (approachingly half of those who were surveyed in urban areas).

But, size can also impact electricity generation. Also, rural residents were more likely to have larger systems of solar panels.

What is the best direction to place solar panels on a roof?

Most UK roofs are angled at 45 degrees to 30 degrees. North facing roofs are not recommended to use solar PV panels.

Because PV panels are heavy, you need to take into account the age and strength.

Solar panels could face shade problems if they are installed near trees, chimneys, walls, or other obstructions. Take into consideration whether any nearby trees could grow and shadow your roof.

Do I require planning permission for solar panel installation?

For your solar panels to be permitted to go up in the sky, you will need to contact your local council. Most domestic solar panel designs don’t require permission, so long as the size is not exceeding a specific limit.

However, exceptions may be made for listed buildings or buildings in conservation zones and World Heritage Sites.
Solar panel maintenance costs

Solar panels are virtually maintenance-free and should last at least 25 year.

Solar PV systems can be very simple, and they have no moving parts so don’t require much maintenance.

However, the inverter must be replaced in 25 years. Only 14% of owners of solar panels reported having problems with theirs when we asked them. *

After your panels are installed, the installer should send you written instructions detailing any maintenance tasks you should do periodically to make sure that your system works properly.

Our Trusted Trades search tool will help you find a solar installer in your local area.
How can I make sure that my solar panels are installed correctly?

Don’t allow panels to extend beyond the roof. For panels that are placed just above an existing roof, it is a good practice to leave at minimum 30-40cm between the roof edge and the last panel. This allows for easy access and minimizes the risk of panels falling off.

Before the installer draws up plans, find out how much space is being left between the roof edge and the panel. For a complete survey.