When it comes to solar panels, every property, including every home, is different. From the size and condition of the roof, to the angle and orientation, there are a number of factors that can influence how effective solar panels will be. Not to mention your households actual electricity usage and requirements. So what do you need to know? And how can you tell if your house is suitable for solar panels?
Start with your roof
Solar panels are installed on the roof of your property, so it’s a good idea to start by assessing the roof’s suitability for the task. A professional installation team will look at:
- The available roof space
- The condition of the roof
- Its orientation and pitch
- The type of roofing material
- The presence of chimneys, skylights or other obstructions
Which direction should your roof face?
The direction your roof faces can influence how much sunlight your solar panels receive throughout the day. While a south-facing roof is traditionally considered favourable for solar generation in the UK, this does not mean other orientations are unsuitable. In fact, east- and west-facing roofs can also work well, particularly where they match the household’s pattern of electricity use.
A professional installer can assess the available roof areas and determine which arrangement is likely to provide the best results.
Does the roof need to be a certain size?
There is no single roof size required for solar panels, but the amount of space you need will depend on:
- Your household’s electricity consumption
- The number of panels required
- The output of the chosen panels
- The available roof area
If your roof is relatively small, higher-efficiency panels may allow you to generate more electricity from the space available.
What about shade?
It is also important to take the amount of shade into consideration. Whether it’s trees or neighbouring buildings, even chimneys, these structures can reduce the amount of sunlight that is available to reach your solar panels, potentially reducing the amount of electricity they can generate.
However, this won’t automatically mean that your house is unsuitable. A professional installation team will be able to give you a better idea after an assessment, as the way solar panels are positioned can help to bypass this kind of problem altogether.
Does the condition of the roof matter?
The condition of your roof is one of the most important factors when it comes to solar panels. These are designed to last for decades, and they are also fairly heavy. This means that your roof needs to be in a suitable condition before the installation can go ahead.
As a result, if your roof is approaching the end of its useful life, it may make sense to carry out repairs or replacement work before installing solar panels. This can help avoid the additional expense and disruption of having panels removed and reinstalled later.
What if you have a flat roof?
Flat roofs can also be suitable for solar panels, although rather than installing panels directly onto the roof surface, a suitable mounting system will be used to position them at an appropriate angle.
The design will need to take into account factors such as wind loading, roof structure, panel orientation and available space.
Are there any planning considerations?
Many solar panel installations can be carried out under permitted development rights, but there are circumstances where additional planning requirements may apply. For example, additional considerations may be relevant if your property is:
- Listed
- Located within a conservation area
- Subject to specific local restrictions
It is important to establish whether any permissions or approvals are required before installation begins.
So, is my house suitable for solar panels?
Many homes are suitable for solar panels, but the best way to find out is through a professional assessment. Roof size, orientation, condition, shading and household electricity usage can all influence the suitability and potential performance of a system.
For more information or advice, why not contact the experts today, here at the Eco Renewables Group? We work across the UK, from Oxford to Derby, to deliver high quality solar power solutions.
