Solar Panel Information and Details
If you are currently looking for more installation information on solar panels in order to have a solar panel or solar heating system installed, it is important to understand what the system you choose will provide you, what you can expect from the solar system and how the system will save and even make you money. Solar panel systems can be used to either generate electricity (photo voltaic panels) or to pre-heat your home's water (solar heating).
Solar Panel Installation
Exploring solar panel installation information. Solar panels require roughly 7.5m2 for every 1KW installed, and as they are quite heavy, it is important that they can be installed on a roof with sufficient strength to support their weight. In some circumstances, your local Building Control Office may wish to have this confirmed.
Costs will vary between installers as well as depending the location of the property itself - you can get a direct quote now by using our Solar Energy Services Enquiry Form. Whilst larger solar panel installations cost more, they can generate more energy which will save you money and could potentially earn you more money.
Will I require planning permission to have solar panel system installed?
As long as you are not having a solar panel system installed on a listed building, in a conservation area or World Heritage Site, planning permission will generally not be required for a solar panel system as long as the system is below 200mm in height when installed. Legislation can vary between England, Scotland and Wales, further information is available from:
England - General Permitted Development Order (GPDO)
Which direction should the solar panel system face?
Solar panel systems harness energy from direct sunlight and from daylight, meaning even on an overcast day, the system will still work, generating around a third of the energy as a sunny day - the greater the light intensity, the greater the flow of electricity. In an ideal situation, the roof will face south, with a roof pitch of 30 degrees from the horizontal. However, any roof which faces west or east will work, however income may be reduced.
As the photo voltaic modules are connected in series, if one module becomes shaded from the sun, the overall solar panel will become less efficient. For this reason, when selecting the location for the solar panel system to be installed, it is best to avoid areas which are shady between the hours of 10am and 4pm. A system has more tolerance outside of these hours for some shading.
Will my solar panel system require maintenance?
Photo voltaic solar panel systems which are connected to the national require very little maintenance but in order for them to deliver the best efficiency, you should ensure they are kept clean and free from showing which can reduce the efficiency of the system. The electrical connections should be checked regularly by a qualified electrician and at some point during the solar panel system's 25 life it is likely that the inverter will need replacing, this will cost in the region of £1000. Stand-alone systems may require maintenance on some components such as batteries.
Generally, solar water heating systems come with a ten year warranty and should also be regularly inspected to ensure they are clean and free from obstructions and a qualified solar panel installer should undertake a check of the system every 3-5 years.
