IS SOLAR POWER EXPENSIVE TO INSTALL?

Clearly the costs of installing a solar energy system will depend on the size of your system, the purpose, and the complexity of the installation. In this section MySolarPower will help to identify some of the considerations.

If you are having a roof repaired or replaced this could be the ideal time to consider installing a solar system.

Your installation will unique to your home, so get more than one quote and ask for a forecast of what the company thinks you will be saving and how long it should take the system to pay for itself.

Are you looking to utilise the solar system for:

Solar water heating systems

Larger solar water heating systems (swimming pools etc)

Photovoltaic (PV) systems to take the sun’s energy and turn it directly into electricity.

Combinations of the above – you can use solar hot water and solar electricity together

By the time you have fully explored MySolarPower you will have a better idea of the type of system that interests you, plus you should have also explored the section covering available grants – now you need to take careful consideration of the installation process.

WILL MY ROOF BE SUITABLE?

Solar panels can be heavy, so you need a qualified installer to give advice on whether the roof of your home can take the load - especially if panels are to be fitted over existing tiles.

A system needs to be installed on a southeast or southwest facing roof titled at an angle of between 30 and 45 degrees.

That roof needs to be clear of obstructions, such as trees that will block the light.

A flat roof will require a steel frame to be used to provide the angle of slope needed.

If your roof is deemed unsuitable then it may be possible to construct a canopy, façade or "A" frame construction.

Ideally the location of solar panels for example will be in an un-shaded area – chimneys, gabled roofs, other buildings, and trees inflicting shade upon your installation may reduce the overall performance.

The time of day when you require the water to be hottest will affect the optimum angle of elevation of flat solar panels.

Solar PV Systems

It is normal to place a direct supply from the solar PV System directly into the distribution grid so that loads such as washing machines are immediately fed when required.

When your system produces excess electricity it will be fed into the main grid and sold to your local supplier – if you wish to sell excess then you will require a digital meter.

Generally any form of daylight will produce electricity but on bright sunny days the systems tend to perform more effectively.

Solar PV systems usually generate Direct Current which will be passed through an isolation switch, through an inverter (changing the current into AC – Alternating current), then through a second isolation switch and into the mains supply.

Solar PV panels ideally face southerly at elevations around 35 degrees with due care of the weight loading of the roof.

Shading of the system should be avoided where possible

Solar arrays need to be vertically installed to allow rainfall to clean. them.

Solar PV panels need to be ventilated.

Consent of the local electricity distributor will be needed prior to connecting to the grid and this is usually free to individual households.

An accredited installer should access your home, and assist with recommending the best set-up to satisfy realistic requirements.

For Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic systems, planning permission is not be needed for you installation. However building control should be informed of the work being carried out so that it is deemed safe.

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