Will Your Roof Take Solar Panels?
Before you contact the solar panel installers to book a survey, it is worth going around your property, both inside and out, to see if you can tell whether your property would be suitable for solar panels.
Check the Roof’s Age and Condition
If you have a roof that needs work already then it is best to get your roof re-covered with new tiles before installing solar panels to extend the life of your new investment.
Estimate Your Usable Roof Area
For maximum power output, the roof needs to be large enough to hold several panels. A typical panel size is 1.7m x 1m, and most homes are equipped with 6 to 12 of them. So check to see if there are any large features on the roof, for example: Chimneys / Skylights / Roof Vents. Also take note of any features that cast a large amount of shade from neighbouring properties and trees.
Consider Orientation and Tilt
When considering solar panels for your home it is also worth thinking about the orientation and the tilt of your roof space. Typically south facing roofs that have a pitch of around 30 to 40 degrees are best but East or West facing roofs can also work well. Simply stand outside your property at midday and face in the direction that the main slopes of your roof are facing – you’ll be able to get a good idea of whether your home would be suitable for solar panels. Roughly south is obvious enough for most homes.
Think About Structural Load
Solar panels weigh around 15 to 20 kg per square meter. As long as your home is relatively modern, this is likely to place no additional structural stress on your roof. However, older homes and those that have had a loft conversion may require inspection by a roofer or structural engineer prior to installation.
Check Planning Constraints
Please be aware that if your property is listed or within a conservation area you may require planning permission for the installation of solar panels. Under the permitted development rules for solar panels on listed buildings and properties within conservation areas there are restrictions so please check before you proceed. If you want Solar Panel Installation Portishead, //redbridgeandsons.co.uk/solar-pv-panels/solar-panel-installation-portishead/ is a good place to start.
Running through these points before you call an installer will give you a good idea of what you can expect before your first meeting.
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