01482 230 422
Are you looking to install a solar panel for your home? With over 1.4 million households in the UK using solar panels, it’s a step many homeowners are now looking to take. However, before choosing to install a solar panel, there are a few things to consider.
One of the key considerations to think about before installing domestic solar panels is whether your roof is suitable for installation. Now, whilst most residential roofs in the UK are structurally strong enough and pitched at a good angle for solar panels, it is always worth researching further to cover all bases.
In this blog, we’ll cover the key factors that influence whether your roof is ideal for solar panels, including its orientation, available space and loft condition to leave you with a clear picture.
What Are Some Considerations Before Installing Solar Panels?
Before anything else, it’s important to work out some of the main considerations before you go ahead with installing solar panels on your home. There are a number of points to address if you want to maximise the energy and cost savings when you own solar panels, and these include:
1. Direction
Domestic solar panels can be an invaluable investment regardless of the direction your roof faces, but certain orientations are more advantageous than others.
In the UK, a south-facing roof is considered the optimal choice for solar panels, with east and west-facing roofs also still being effective. Whilst north-facing roofs have traditionally been less ideal, advancements in solar technology have made it possible for many homeowners to benefit from a north-facing system, especially if it faces north-east or north-west.
We have written a handy guide on the potential for solar power in Yorkshire, where we detail why our region is a great choice for solar installation, with our 1,500 hours of annual sunshine.
2. Space
For a typical 3KW solar system, it’s advised to have around 20 square meters of unobstructed roof space. However, it is possible to install the system in as little as 15 square meters, whereas larger systems will of course require more space for bigger arrays. A 3KW system is roughly the size of a large 4×4 vehicle, so your roof is likely to have enough space for a smaller array. Still, it’s important to verify your roof’s suitability before going ahead with installation.
3. Shading
One of the biggest challenges for potential solar panel owners is shading, as less sunlight means lower energy production.
If trees are causing the issue, it’s helpful to determine how many hours they block sunlight from your roof each day. However, it’s best to leave this evaluation to a professional solar installer such as our experienced team at East Yorkshire Solar. We can accurately assess the shading and factor this into the typical savings you can expect annually.
A small amount of shading may not significantly affect your system’s performance, but if trees are heavily obstructing sunlight, you might want to consider trimming or removing them. Shading from nearby buildings is more complex to address and may require additional solutions to bypass any potential loss in performance.
Angle
The optimal angle for solar panels on roofs in the UK is around 40° to 50°, which helps to maximise sunlight capture. Most UK roofs fall within this angle range, allowing the panels to perform efficiently. Homes with roofs that are slightly steeper or shallower can still benefit from significant savings on electricity bills. However, flat roofs, such as those on dormers, can end up posing a few more challenges.
While the majority of UK roofs can support the typical solar array weight of around 200kg, they may not be equipped to handle a tonne. Additionally, solar panels installed on flat roofs can cast shadows on one another, requiring more spacing between them. This not only affects the efficiency of the system but also limits the number of panels you can install on your roof.
When Should I Avoid Installing Solar Panels?
There are also some situations where installation of solar panels just isn’t feasible, or where extra care should be taken when looking into it. At East Yorkshire Solar, we can advise you on the following situations where installation isn’t quite so straightforward:
Damaged Roof
An older or weak roof may lack the strength to support solar panels and their mounts. An installer will assess the roof’s structural integrity and provide advice based on their findings. If the roof isn’t strong enough, you may need to repair or replace it, though this can be costly and inconvenient.
No Loft Space
Previously, it has been important to have some loft space to install the inverter, which is roughly around the size of a microwave. However, this is no longer essential and a number of alternative storage solutions are possible, both inside and outside your home. In addition, if you’re using battery storage, this may also require additional space, but like the inverter, it can usually be integrated within your property.
Certain Tiles
Certain types of roof tiles can make installing solar panels more challenging. If your roof has uniform tiles, such as concrete or clay, the installation process should be straightforward. You will also want to ensure your tiles are not chipped or cracked or damaged in any other way.
However, roofs with tiles made from materials like metal, stone or Cumbrian slate can complicate things. These tiles often differ in size, depth, and weight, and are typically larger and heavier than concrete or clay tiles. They also tend to overlap, which makes them harder to lift.
What are the Benefits of Installing Domestic Solar Panels?
There are plenty of advantages to switching to solar energy, including producing clean power without carbon emissions, a reduction of your energy bills and the opportunity to earn additional income by avoiding peak grid costs. Homeowners and commercial property owners can even enhance their energy security by relying less on the National Grid and adding value to their property at the same time. Our latest blog detailing the benefits of domestic solar panels, discusses the many tangible benefits in further detail.
Do I Need Planning Permission to Install Domestic Solar Panels?
Typically, no, homeowners will not need to get planning permission to install solar panels on the roofs. However, if you live in a conservation area or own a listed home then planning permission might be a requirement in these cases. See our blog on whether you need planning permission for solar panels for more information.
Why Choose East Yorkshire Solar?
When you choose East Yorkshire Solar, we will carry out a survey on your roof before installing both domestic and commercial solar panels. We also provide a diverse range of systems suitable for a range of building types, meaning we have the perfect solution for whatever your needs may be, and in the case of domestic installation, installation typically only takes one day.
As part of our services package, we also offer comprehensive solar panel maintenance and repairs, upgrades to existing solar systems, and pest protection to keep your solar system in peak condition.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to discover the savings associated with solar energy, increase your home value and gain energy independence in the meantime, installing solar panels on your home in 2025 could very well be the answer.
There are a range of tangible benefits that come with installing domestic solar panels, and because many UK homes have roofs that are suitable for their fitting, it could be one of the best long-term investments you’ll make. Contact us today for a domestic solar installation quote.
Further Support
We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact our team of solar panel experts today for further guidance and advice.
Email: info@eastyorkshiresolar.co.uk
Telephone: 01482 230 422