Top 5 Things to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels

Before you can start making the most of the shining sun and your solar system, there are important things that you should consider before installing solar panels on your roof.

If you’re reading this article, you are more than likely taking your first steps into a bright future – solar is quickly becoming a popular choice for homeowners and businesses!

Energy Advice Helpline invites you to walk through some key considerations you should consider before making a potentially life-changing decision.

1. Assess the Suitability of your Roof

As your main foundation, your roof should be the first port of call. A strong, good-quality roof will be the perfect base for installing your solar panels.

• South Facing: Efficiency will largely be impacted by the orientation of your roof and south is best to capture the most sunlight. Your system should also have a tilt of 30-40 degrees.
• No Shade: Any trees, buildings or other large shade-creating structures can deter the performance of your solar panels. If you need to, consider trimming any nearby trees if possible and assess any shade created by other structures.
• Strong Roof, Strong Solar: Solar can last an impressive 25 years and even longer. Having a strong roof from the outset will ensure a stable system for years. Any repair issues should be fixed before installing solar.

2. Know Your Energy Needs

It is a vital bit of knowledge when it comes to knowing how much energy you use and the amount you want your solar panels to generate.

• Present Energy Consumption: Taking a look over recent energy bills is a good way of understanding your current energy usage. This will then help you choose the solar system that is the right size for you and your needs. If your energy consumption is small, a smaller solar system will suit you whilst a bigger consumption will naturally need more panels.
• Think of the Future: If you think there may be changes to your energy habits in the future, for example: an addition of an electric car to your home, or new appliances, you may require more energy. It’s vital to account for these when considering the size of your system.

3. Choosing the Perfect Solar Panels for You

Like any type of product manufactured across multiple brands, not all solar panels are made the same. Researching the top brands could be beneficial in this vital decision. Click below to discover the best brands in the UK:

• Efficiency is the Key: How well does the brand you are interested in rank for how much sunlight it converts into electricity? The higher the efficiency, the higher the generation of electricity, which is useful for homes with a smaller roof.
• Product Range: Just like your smartphone, different brands offer various models made for specific needs. For solar, this could be the maximum output, their durability, or even the visual appeal.
• Warranty Plan: Systems are typically sold with two types of warranties: product which protects defects in materials and workmanship and performance which guarantees a certain level of energy output over time. You will want to look out for a warranty that lasts up to 25 years; the same lifespan as the system itself.

4. Think About Your Financial Circumstances

Installing solar panels is a huge financial investment, one that requires the cost evaluation and savings potential to be considered carefully.

• Initial Costs: This can be high when including solar panels, inverters, and installation costs. However, there are multiple ways in which homeowners can get solar panels with some help. Energy Advice Helpline is proud to offer solar lease packages for as little as £49 a month! Additionally, homeowners could be entitled to free solar panels through government-backed incentives. Click below to discover more!
• Payback Time: This is the duration of time it takes to cover the cost of your solar system from the energy savings you have made. This is dependent on your consumption and system cost. All this could potentially help you determine the viability of your solar system.

5. Battery Storage is the Perfect Solar Partner

Solar and battery storage work perfectly together and increase your chances of energy independence.

• Store your Energy: A storage battery will allow you to store any excess energy you generate during the day for use at night or during cloudy periods. This opens up the opportunity to reduce your reliance on the grid; if there are any outages, you will be one step ahead.

In Summary

Solar panels are a huge investment and a change to what you usually know. Considering all of the factors above; roof suitability, energy needs, choosing the right panels, financial circumstances, and battery storage, you are setting yourself up for a successful solar relationship for years to come.