Do I need a new roof to go solar?
A roof in good condition is ideal for solar panel installation. To determine whether your property is suitable for solar electricity, it is crucial to evaluate the state of your roof. Before installing solar panels, you might want to think about replacing or fixing your roof, depending on how old it is. The good news is that solar panels may be installed on almost any type of roof, including asphalt, shingles, and clay tiles. Early on in the installation process, our partner will address the viability of your roof during their home visit.
Does installing solar panels require rewiring our house?
In most circumstances, installing solar panels means your home’s electricity won’t require significant rewiring. However, you must ensure your electrical service panel has enough room to accommodate the solar input. Our partner’s solar designers will assess this during your house visit.
Is my home facing the right way to install solar panels and produce solar energy?
South-facing homes were considered to be the best options for solar panels. However, advances in solar technology allow high-performance solar panels like those our partner installs to capture a significant amount of clean energy from a roof that is not south-facing, even on gloomy days. Read our guide ‘Do solar panels work in winter and on cloudy days?’ for more in-depth information.
How many solar panels will my home need?
Your solar panels will be able to provide more electricity for your home the more you have installed. Your energy usage, the number of occupants in your home, and the size of your property will determine how many solar panels you need. A 4kW system can meet higher demand, but that would require 25+ square metres of space on your roof. Smaller homes might need a 1kW system, which requires roof space for 8+ square metres of solar panels.
| Solar system size | Roof space needed (in square meters) |
|---|---|
| 1kW | 8+ |
| 2kw | 12+ |
| 3kw | 20+ |
| 4kw | 25+ |
Do I have enough space for Solar Panels?
Space is an important factor. The standard system size is about 4.2kWp, which normally occupies about 25m2 of roof space.
The best roof is one that faces south and is not shaded for maximum power production. North-facing roofs are not advised, although east or west-facing roofs could still be taken into consideration. Around 15–20% less energy will be produced by a system facing East or West than by one looking directly south.
Shaded roofs
Any neighbouring structures, trees, or chimneys may shade your roof and harm the efficiency of your system.
Finding a position without any shade is ideal, although it’s not always possible to do so. Utilizing “optimisers,” certain solar PV systems may reduce the effects of shade. Other than the increased monitoring options they provide, using optimisers is neither necessary nor advantageous if you don’t have shading because they don’t produce more energy.
Do I need permission to install a solar PV system?
As “permitted developments,” solar PV systems frequently don’t need planning approval. However, there are exceptions, so it’s advisable to seek advice from your neighbourhood planning office. Additional limitations can be in place if you reside in a listed structure, conservation area, or national park.
You must register your solar PV system with your distribution network operator if you intend to install one in your house (DNO). The DNO is the organisation in charge of supplying power to your house. The device will typically be registered for you by your installer.
Get a free no obligation Solar Panels Installation quote
Do I need to clear trees in order to produce enough solar power for my home?
Sometimes removing a few trees will help your roof produce additional solar energy by allowing more sunshine to enter. The good news is that substantial tree removal is no longer necessary thanks to advances in solar panel technology.
Will solar panels lower the value of my house?
Many experts think they increase value because they lower energy bills and usage, making your home greener. Solar panels are likely to be a selling point rather than a sticking point in the future, given that people’s concerns about the environment and their energy bills are growing.
Solar panels would raise your home’s property value. According to numerous studies, houses with solar panels often sell more quickly than houses without them. Solar panels can cost between £5,000 and 8,000, but you save money in the long run since they increase the value of your property by an average of £14,000, but this depends entirely on how much it will be worth.
Solar Panels Installation
We want to make your solar journey as smooth as possible. Our partner is an MCS-accredited solar panel installer. After you’ve had your solar panels installed you can start to reap the benefits of generating your own renewable electricity.
Accredited Solar Panel Installers
Rest assured our partner is MCS accredited. All our engineers are committed to the quality workmanship of the highest standards.
Free solar panels quote
Use our quote form to get a free solar panels quote. Arrange a home visit with our solar designers.
