Learn what happens after solar panels are installed.
Installing solar panels is not as difficult as you might imagine. Our survey found that 94% of solar panel owners didn’t find installing their panels disruptive.
Before you install solar panels, make sure your home is ready.
How long does it take for solar panels Ashford to be installed?
You will likely need scaffolding if the solar panels are going to be installed on your roof.
The panels can be installed in one day after the scaffolding has been up. Roofers will attach fixing brackets to your roof’s rafters. This is why it is important to have a professional surveyor inspect your loft to verify the roof and rafters are in good condition. The fixing brackets will be used to attach the solar panels.
Installation times will depend on the size and complexity your system. So you are prepared, ask your installer to give you an estimate of the time it will take.
Check with your surveyor if scaffolding is required. The cost will be included in the quote.
Are my solar PV panels suitable for my home?
If you have a south-facing roof that receives little to no shade, solar PV panels might be worth looking into.
A south-facing roof will produce the most power, but a south or south-east facing roof is fine.
However, you will get less power from the system and your electricity bill will be lower.
The amount of energy that you can produce with solar panels and the potential profit you make from it will depend on these factors:
The tilt angle and orientation of your roof
Your location: The South West receives more sunlight than the North. This could impact the amount of electricity that your system can generate, but not very significantly.
In rural areas, six out of ten solar panel owners generated more than 2,500kWh annually. * Urban areas have a smaller number of solar panel owners (approaching half the people surveyed) that generate this amount.
However, the size of the system can have a significant impact on electricity generation. Rural areas had larger solar panels systems.
Which direction is best for solar panels?
The majority of UK roofs are angled between 30 and 45 degrees. For roofs facing north, solar PV panels are not recommended.
It is also important to assess the age and strength of your roof, since PV panels can be very heavy.
Solar panels can be affected by shade. Therefore, solar panels should not be placed where there is shade from trees or chimneys. You should consider whether trees nearby could grow and shade your roof.
Are solar panels permitted without planning permission?
To find out if you are required to apply for planning permission, contact your local council. Most domestic solar panels don’t require planning permission, provided they are below a certain size.
However, there are exceptions for listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas or World Heritage Sites.
Solar panel maintenance costs
Solar panels require little maintenance and can last at most 25 years.
Solar PV systems are simple and don’t require much maintenance.
You will need to replace your inverter within 25 years. We found that 14% of solar panel owners had problems with their inverter. *
After you have had solar panels installed, your installer will give you written information about any maintenance checks that you should perform periodically to ensure your system is functioning properly.
To find a local solar panel installer, use our trusted Traders search engine.
How do I make sure my solar panel installation goes smoothly?
You should not allow panels to hang above the roof. It is a good idea to place panels just above the roof to make it easier for people to access them.
Before your installer creates the plans, make sure you ask them how much space is left between the panel and roof’s edge. You should conduct a thorough survey to ensure accuracy.