SOLAR ROOF PANELS
Welcome, and thank you for taking the first important step towards improving your life.
First things first
Why are you spending this money?
Not an unreasonable question but here are some facts:
It increases the value of your property by 6.2% to 6.8% according to research
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) improvement – Properties with higher EPC ratings (A being the highest) are more desirable, and improvements in EPC ratings can increase property values by up to 14%.
When installed you have “free energy”
Environmental benefits –
Reduced carbon emissions, improved air quality, conservation of natural resources, and support for local economies. As the UK continues to invest in solar technology, these advantages will play a crucial role in the country’s transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Solar panels generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. By replacing fossil fuels with solar energy, households and businesses can significantly lower their carbon footprints—by up to 80% in some cases
Hey, I better know something about solar roof panels before I buy.
I know that solar power is 100% clean and we can help save the planet for the children
Solar Intensities:
- Despite the UK’s reputation for cloudy weather, modern solar panels are efficient enough to make a significant impact.
- To understand solar intensities, refer to the Global Solar Atlas (globalsolaratlas.info). There’s a 30% difference in intensity levels from the North to the South of the UK.
- Panel efficiency varies based on location, roof orientation, and angle.
Practical Considerations:
- Upgrading the UK grid and unreliable energy pricing make solar panels a wise choice. It is too easy to generalise as there are variables that make a difference. However, a 3.5 kW system for an average 3-bed semi can save around £550 annually and pay back over 12 years.
- A registered supplier estimate will consider your energy usage data from smart meters or bills. He can then give an estimate. Thinking forward and looking backwards energy can only get more expensive.
Types of Solar Panels:
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels (Black): Highest efficiency (17% to 22%), space-efficient, and durable but more expensive. They are getting better.
- Polycrystalline Solar Panels (Blue): Lower efficiency (15% to 17%) but more affordable.
- Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) Panels: Efficiency up to 23%, better performance in extreme conditions.
- Thin-Film Solar Panels: Lowest efficiency (10% to 13%), lightweight, and flexible.
- Choosing Panels:
- Efficiency matters, but also consider cost, available roof space, climate, and aesthetics.
- Higher efficiency panels cost more, but require less space.
- Lower efficiency panels may be cost-effective for larger installations.
- Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance over time.
Remember, investing in solar panels not only benefits you financially but also contributes to a greener planet!
HARVEST THE SUN - help save the planet
Panel Sizes:
An average 3.5 kWp system uses panels around 1m x 2m (2m²).
Standard residential panels are 1.89m long, 1m wide, and 3.99cm thick, weighing 18 to 21 kg.
Roof Space Requirements:
A 350W panel occupies approximately 1.89m².
A 4 kW system (10 panels) needs 14m² to 16m² of roof space.
A 5 kW system typically requires 10-13 panels (20-26m²)
Lifespan and Degradation:
Most solar panels are guaranteed for 25 years.
Degradation occurs gradually, with about 2% loss after the first year and over 25 years down to 87 – 92% efficiency.
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance over time.
Remember, investing in solar panels not only benefits you financially but also contributes to a greener planet!
Roof Orientation and Angle:
Ideally, your roof should face south and be pitched between 30 and 40 degrees (adjust based on your location).
For flat roofs, panels are mounted at a lower angle (around 10°) to reduce wind uplift.
Avoid shading, and while perfect alignment matters, minor deviations won’t significantly impact efficiency. North-facing roofs are not recommended at a
Roof Strength and Snow Considerations:
Ensure your roof can handle the weight of solar panels. If in doubt, consult a structural engineer or if it needs tile replacing, consider a new roof with an in-roof system (better aesthetics and cost savings). Your supplier may help.
For a 4 kW system with 10 panels (each weighing 18-21 kg), consider the total weight (180-210 kg) plus mounting equipment (20kg). Account for snow if you live in an area prone to it.
HARVEST THE SUN - HELP SAVE THE PLANET
Energy Usage and Battery Storage:
To calculate your electricity usage from sundown to sunrise, typical consumption ranges from 10-20 kWh.
Solar battery storage guarantees energy supply at night and can also charge your electric vehicle.
Consider Lithium-ion batteries, including LiFePO4, which should include an Energy Management System (EMS), Automatic Transfer Switch, Energy Meter, Monitoring System, and Safety Equipment.
Electrical Capacity and Consumer Fuse Box:
Check your existing electrical capacity (main cut-out fuse), which commonly has ratings of 60, 80, or 100 amps.
Evaluate your internal consumer fuse box for outlets. The installer will decide if more outlets are necessary or if a replacement is required. Make sure to inquire.
Choosing a Solar Battery Storage System:
Important considerations are total and usable capacity, efficiency rating, depth of discharge, warranty duration, cost, expandability, and backup power capabilities.
The optimal battery size is based on your household’s daily energy use (the average UK household consumes 8-10 kWh).
Battery Placement:
Installation of the battery system in a garage or external area is advisable. It’s important to ask about the impact of cold weather on the system.
Regarding the roof system, it’s wise to install a SolaSkirt around the solar panels to prevent birds from nesting underneath, which could damage the system. A SolaSkirt is a slim material strip placed around the panel edges to block entry.
Each step is crucial for a successful solar panel installation that benefits both your home and the environment.
In the UK, most residential properties can install solar roof panels without needing planning permission, thanks to “permitted development rights.” However, there are specific conditions and exceptions that homeowners should be aware of:
General Conditions for Permitted Development
- Height Restrictions: Solar panels must not exceed the highest point of the roof (excluding chimneys) and should not protrude more than 20 centimeters from the roof slope.
- Visual Impact: The installation should minimize its impact on the building’s external appearance and the surrounding area.
- Removal Requirement : Panels must be removed when they are no longer needed.
Exceptions Requiring Planning Permission
Homeowners will need to apply for planning permission in the following scenarios:
Listed Buildings Properties that are listed require special consent for any alterations, including solar panel installations[4][5].
– Conservation Areas: If the installation is on a wall facing a road or if it is deemed to significantly affect the area’s character, planning permission is necessary.
– Flats: Residents in flats generally need planning permission due to restrictions on modifications.
-Ground-Mounted Installations: For standalone solar panels, planning permission is required if:
– Any part of the installation exceeds 4 meters in height.
– The total surface area exceeds 9 square meters.
– The installation is within 5 meters of property boundaries[
PLANNING - just a few words
Suppliers and Fitters
You are under no obligation to choose fitters we recommend but we have investigated reliable names in your postcode area and will email you their names.
In addition, we will provide information on their approach and who to contact.
Not all firms are reliable and care should be taken to ensure their viability
Please contact us about any firm we recommend, and you use, and report on their performance.
We will provide you with a brief review questionnaire after the works are completed to ensure high standards are kept.
FINANCE
VAT is exempt until March 31, 2027, with certain conditions:
– Materials must be new.
– Applicable only to residential buildings.
-The supplier and installer must be the same entity (no DIY installations).
– The company must be certified by Flexi-Orb or MCS.
Government Grants and Schemes:
– Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) offers free or heavily subsidized solar panel installations for eligible low-income households, potentially covering up to 100% of installation costs. This scheme is available until March 2026.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG):
– This scheme doesn’t finance installations but allows homeowners to earn money by selling surplus electricity back to the grid, enhancing the long-term financial returns of solar panels.
Alternative Financing Options:
– Solar Panel Loans are available from many providers, enabling homeowners to spread the cost over time, with some loans starting at £25 per month.
Green Home Rewards:
– Banks such as Barclays provide cashback rewards for residential mortgage customers who install solar panels, with Barclays offering a £1,000 cash reward for qualifying customers.
CONTACT US
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