Solar panels: am i able to put them on my roof?

Despite the recent rise in the number of solar panel installations around the UK, don't assume all roofs are suitable. This short article studies typical issues and query’s prospective customers have regarding the installation of solar panels on their roofs.

In recent years there's been an incredible influx in the number of solar panels being installed on the roofs on dwellings over the UK. With lots of appealing financial rewards and the clear benefits to the environment the prospect of a solar panel installation has ensured there is a great amount of interest of an increasingly large amount of people.

Despite the interest, most people are tentative about taking any further steps into looking into the possibility of getting a solar panel installation on their roofs. One of the main reasons for trepidation is concern with regards to whether their roof is capable of taking the panels, whether they need planning permission, and whether their roof is positioned to get the most of the suns energy! This short article examines a few of the most important fears folks have and provides a brief explanation into the concrete realities of the issues in an attempt to help allay their concerns.

<h2>Can my roof top accommodate solar panels? </h2>

The most frequent concern prospective consumers may have with regards to solar panel installations is whether their roof top will actually accommodate the solar panels. In general, the majority of roofs should be able to support the panels because they are not particularly weighty plus the weight is spread over a significant surface area. For anybody who is in doubt then a survey may be sensible to ensure the roof is capable of carrying the weight. Before you worry about the potential cost of this kind of survey, it will generally be the case that if you request a quote from a respected solar panel installation company they will supply a survey for you free of charge. They'll then be able to let you know either whether there are no problems, or that some remedial or support work ought to be done. In many cases the company should be able to organise this for you hassle free, and may be included on the overall estimate. Remember, the possible fiscal advantages of a solar panel installation at this moment in time can add up to about £1700 annually. Spending several hundred pounds in a one of transaction to reinforce the rooftop still means that you will overall get yourself a great return on investment.

<h2>Is my roof capable of making the most out of the suns energy?</h2>

Another issue many people have is whether or not their solar panel installation would generate sufficient energy. The most prevalent myth is that only south facing rooftops can have solar panels. The truth is, many roofs which are not totally south facing can also make the most of the suns energy and generate solar electricity. The main problem actually is whether there is anything shading the roof. The commonest culprit is large trees and chimneys which could reduce the amount of direct light that could hit the panels. Anything obstructing the amount of light will lessen the efficiency of the panels, since the panels transform light energy into electrical power.

<h2>Do I require planning permission for a solar panel installation?</h2>

With officious planning committees and also a seemingly indefinite number of busy bodies all too happy to obstruct planning permission applications it's with pleasant relief that i can tell you that the majority of domestic solar panel installations don’t require planning approval. Issues to be wary of include if your home is listed or in a conservation area. In these circumstances then planning permission may be needed. In order to find out whether your home comes within these categories you can do a local searches check, although nearly all of you will already have a clear idea as this would have been revealed when you bought your property. For bigger industrial solar panels installations it is also very likely that planning permission will be necessary.