Solar panels: which ones should you choose and how to install them
Switching to solar panels is an effective step towards a better future. Doing so can reduce, if not erase, your fossil energy consumption, and convert to a renewable source of energy that doesn’t emit CO2.
Not to mention that you’ll be able to make some significant savings on your electricity bill: you’ll be creating and consuming your own electricity. This is otherwise known as self-consumption.
If you’re ready to take the leap and install solar panels on your property, read on for a guide into how to get started and make the right choice for your home.
What types of solar panels are there?
An introduction to the four types of solar panels that are the most suitable for home installation.
Type #1: Monocrystalline
These are made from single-crystal pure silicon and are recognisable for their dark colour. They’re highly efficient and have a long lifespan. While this can be an expensive choice, it can offer higher efficiency for a smaller area.
Type #2: Polycrystalline
These are made by melting together different silicon crystals. As this process provides less purity, polycrystalline solar panels are less efficient than monocrystalline ones. However, they’re cheaper and can be a great option if you have enough space on your roof for multiple solar panels.
Type #3: Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC)
An additional reflective layer on the back of these panels is responsible for reflecting the uncaught light by the panel the first time, so that it can be caught the second time it passes through. The cost of these panels is quite high, but they are becoming more and more popular.
Type #4: Thin-film
A completely different panel from the above, they are actually made from films of photovoltaic materials. Their slimmer appearance makes them a more aesthetically pleasing and discreet option than some others, while also being cheaper. On the downside, they have the lowest level of efficiency.
If you’re still wondering which of these solar panels to choose, keep in mind that if you have a small roof, monocrystalline is the way to go for great efficiency. If you want an even higher efficiency level and putting in extra money isn’t an issue, PERC could be the best choice. However, if you have a large roof with plenty of space, or have a lower budget, polycrystalline panels could be a great option.
Is your house suitable for solar panels?
Before you take the plunge, you’re probably wondering if your house is even suitable for solar panels.
There are a few key elements to take into consideration for this:
Your location
The amount of sunlight your property gets throughout the year will depend on where you live in the UK. This is an important factor to consider, as the more sun there is, the more efficient your solar panels will be, however, this also depends on the type of solar panel you chose. For instance, you might want to turn to Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) as they offer a higher efficiency rate and optimise any available solar light.
Orientation of your roof
Similarly to your property’s location, the orientation of your roof has a big impact on a solar panel's efficiency. South-facing roofs generally boast high-efficiency thanks to their exposure to sunlight. However, if your roof receives a lot of shade from trees, for example, you might want to take measures to improve exposure. If your roof is north-facing, we would generally recommend that you not install solar panels. However, you can achieve great efficiency if your roof is facing west or east, and is set at a suitable angle.
Angle and elevation of your roof
The efficiency of solar panels greatly depends on the angle they’re elevated to. An optimised angle of your roof should be set between 30° and 50° so that you get the most exposure throughout the year.
Space available
As you’ve probably guessed, it’s important to have enough space available on your roof to install solar panels. On average, you’ll need to have 20m2 available.
How many solar panels will you need?
The number of solar panels needed can greatly vary from one house to another. It depends on how much power you use and need, the number of people living in your home, the types and sizes of solar panels you choose, and whether you want to solely rely on solar panels for your electricity. Your installer will be available to advise you on this matter and find the right number of solar panels to make the most of your installation and fulfil your needs.
How to plan solar panel installation for your house?
The first step towards solar panel installation is getting a professional site surveyor to assess your property. They will inform you whether it’s possible or not for you to carry on with a solar panel installation, as well as whether it would be beneficial or not. This survey will also lead to determining the type of solar panel you should use and how many you’ll be needing to generate the right amount of electricity. Once this is complete, the installers will proceed with the work.
Finding an MCS installer
In order to conduct the on-site survey, as well as the installation, we recommend you find an MCS installer. These are specialists who are accredited with a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certificate. This certificate confirms that the installer has the right knowledge and competency, as well as efficiency and safety reassurances to complete your installation. This is not mandatory. However, having an MCS installer can assure the quality of the craftsmanship and equipment, as well as, allowing you to get your installation MCS certified. This is required if you’re looking to apply for financial funding like the Smart Export Guarantee funding.
Can I install solar panels myself?
It’s not recommended for you to install your own solar panels for a number of reasons. Firstly, the quality of the installation isn’t guaranteed and could result in lower efficiency than you need. More importantly, you could end up injuring yourself as the installation process can be delicate and is guaranteed to be on your roof. And, lastly, you won’t be able to apply for incentive schemes.
Building regulations and planning permission
In most cases, you won’t require planning permission for your solar panels' installation as they’re permitted developments. However, this may depend on the size of your installation (if it is too big, you might be needing planning permission).
Still, we recommend that you call your local council to confirm whether this is the case or not, as factors like living in a listed building or within a conservation area can require further approvals.
Whatever route you opt for, your solar panel installation must comply with building regulations. This is to make sure that your roof is capable of supporting the additional weight and to ensure that your building complies with electrical and structural safety. Your installer may be able to do the application for you if they’re a member of a Competent Persons Scheme.
That's it! You now have the essential information to get started and revolutionise your electricity consumption.
Article written by Resi