Solar Panels: Can I Put Them On My Roof Top?
Recently there’s been an awesome increase in the amount of solar panels being installed on the roofs on homes across the UK. With numerous desirable financial benefits and the apparent 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, many people are reluctant about taking any further steps into investigating the possibility of getting a solar panel installation on their rooftops. One of the primary reasons for trepidation is concern about 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 article looks at a few of the major concerns people have and provides a brief explanation into the concrete realities associated with the issues in an attempt to allay their anxieties.
Can my roof top accommodate solar panels?
The most prevalent concern prospective consumers sometimes have when it comes to solar panel installations is whether their roof will physically accommodate the panels. Generally speaking, most roofs should be able to support the panels since they are not especially weighty plus the weight is distributed over a significant surface area. If you’re in doubt then a survey might be wise to be sure the roof is capable of carrying the weight. Before you worry about the possible cost of this kind of survey, it will generally be the case that if you ask for a quote from a respected solar panel installation company they will give you 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 should be carried out. In many cases the company will be able to organise this for you hassle free, and could be included on the overall quote. Remember, the possible financial benefits of a solar panel installation at this moment in time can add up to about ?1700 a year. Spending a few hundred pounds in an one of transaction to reinforce the roof still means that you will overall receive a great return on investment.
Is my roof capable of making the most out of the suns energy?
Another issue lots of people have is whether or not their solar panel installation would generate sufficient energy. The most frequent myth is that only south facing rooftops can have solar panels. The truth is, many rooftops which aren’t totally south facing can also make the most of the suns energy and produce solar electricity. The main problem in reality is whether there is anything shading the roof. The most common offender is large trees and chimneys which may limit the level of direct light that could strike the panels. Anything limiting the volume of light will reduce the efficiency of the panels, because the panels transform light energy into electricity.
Do I need planning permission for a solar panel installation?
With officious planning committees along with a seemingly indefinite quantity of busy bodies all too pleased to block planning permission applications it is with welcome relief that i can tell you that most domestic solar panel installations don’t require planning approval. Things to check for include if your property or home is listed or in a conservation area. In these situations then planning permission may be needed. To find out whether your property comes within these categories you can try a local searches check, though almost all of you will already have a definite idea because this would have been revealed when you bought the house. For bigger industrial solar panels installations it is also very likely that planning permission will be necessary.
The article author works directly with respected solar panel installation company Solar Days, who supply quality solar panels and who are very happy to help with roof top surveys and restoration work.
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