Solar power is becoming an increasingly popular addition to many homes, and now many new builds are being designed and built with solar power in mind. But how do you begin planning for solar power in a new build? And what are the implications? Here at the ECO Renewables Group, we are solar power experts. As a result, we have produced this guide to solar power in new builds.
Lay of the land
The first thing to consider is the lay and shape of your land. For example, if you buy a block of land with a steep hill on the southern or eastern side, the sun won’t hit your solar panels until much later in the day. This can have a dramatic impact on the efficiency of your solar panels.
You will also need to decide which direction your new building will be facing. South facing solar panels will probably get the sun for the longest period of time, as long as there are no obstructions.
Shade
Obstructions don’t just effect your views and landscape, they can cause shade. This is a problem for solar panels as it means they wont be able to perform to their full potential. Before embarking on your eco-friendly new build, make sure there are no obstructions that could interfere with your light.
Roof design
Finally, the roof design is something to consider. The pitch of your roof can influence how well the solar panels perform and the amount of dirt, dust and debris that can end up blocking out the light. As a result, make sure your roof is facing towards the sun, with no obstacles, and is also the right pitch and shape to make the most of the solar panels.
For more information or professional advice, get in touch with the experts today, here at the ECO Renewables Group.