Solar panels are an attractive option; they’re environmentally friendly, they can save you money and there are even grants available for their installation. So while we’d all love to deck our house out in these lovely plates of waste and cost repellent armour, there are a few things to consider first. Sadly, not all houses are suitable for solar panel installation.
If your house is situated in a conservation area or World Heritage Site, making any alterations to it can be a nightmare. In many cases, solar panel installation will be considered a “permitted development”, meaning you won’t need planning permission but will have to meet a few extra requirements;
1) As far as is possible, the panels should be sited so as to minimise their aesthetic intrusion. That is, try to make them as inconspicuous as possible.
2) The solar panels should cause minimal intrusion to the amenity of the area, i.e. the solar panel installation shouldn’t spoil those things that make the conservation area so attractive in the first place.
3) If your solar panels are no longer in use, they should be removed as soon as possible. So, if you sell the property and the new owner doesn't want to continue using the solar panels, they should be taken down.
4) Make sure your solar panel installers do not fit them above the ridgeline. Neither should they project more than 200mm from the roof.
5) Although solar panel installation does not require planning permission, if your house is listed the standard listed building consent is still necessary (just as if you were installing a satellite dish, for example).
Non-listed houses and those outside of conservation areas do still have some regulations placed on them as regards solar panel installation. Obviously, the roof of your house has to be physically able to bear the weight of the panels. If your roof is in a poor state of repair, then it may not be strong enough to carry the weight, or may not offer a sufficiently secure anchor for the panels. In these cases, even were solar panel installers to fit them, there is a chance the panels may break the roof or even fall off. The strength of your roof will need to be checked and proven before you have solar panels installed. If it is not found to be up to scratch, then some strengthening or repair work may be necessary.
When you have technology that relies on the sun, it won't work if there is no light. All of the usual jokes about the British climate aside, roofs with a northern aspect are not suitable, and neither are those which are totally in the shade.
One also has to consider all the usual regulations regarding major electrical work. It’s advisable to get qualified solar panel installers in to check your house meets all of the essential requirements.
Don't be put off Solar Panel installation. Most hosues will require no work to be done at all. Even if your roof does need a little repair work or strengthening, the cost will easily be offset by the savings you make from your own private source of renewable energy. The secret to green energy and lower fuel bills might be right above your head.
Solar Days are professional solar panel installers with years of experience in all types of electrical and building work. If you want to save your planet and your bills, visit their website or soon to be opened showroom in Shropshire. Visit us at http://www.solarpanels-pv.com now for more information.
