Panels can be fitted to pitched roofs, slated or tiled, insulated cladding sheets, flat roofs, just about any type of roof can accept solar panels.
Here are the main points to consider for where to install solar panels:
- Have the panels facing ideally South.
- West, or east facing will generate energy, just less than south facing.
- South east or South west both work well too, south east start generating earlier but stops earlier, the latter is the opposite and generates later into the evening.
- Avoid north facing panels in the UK.
- Are the Panels facing different ways? or are some panels being shaded? these situations benefit from optimisers.
- Areas free from excess shade. keep clear of trees and other buildings if you can.
- Areas at a higher altitude.
- Areas allowing a 10° – 60° angle.
Pros:
- Makes use of an aerial space that might be otherwise overlooked.
- Aerial location means panels are less likely to be damaged by people and animals.
- They’re less likely to be shaded by smaller trees and buildings.
- Rooftop solar panels are less likely to be damaged by heavy winds.
- The large, rectangular roofs of many commercial buildings are ideal for solar panels.
Cons:
- Solar panels may be damaged or dirtied by nesting birds on your building.
- Inaccessible, pitched roofs make it hard to reach and clean your solar panels.
- This also means solar panels are in a fixed position and cannot move to follow the movement of the sun.
- Less effective if large trees or buildings cast shade on your roof.
- If your home or business premises is a listed building you’ll need to get planning permission.
Pros:
- Provides an alternative for premises with a north-facing roof.
- Avoids potential obstructions like chimneys, fire escapes, and skylights or glazing.
- May cover a wider surface area if you have the land available.
- Easier access for cleaning/maintaining your panels after installation.
Cons:
- More likely to be shaded by smaller buildings, trees or other obstructions.
- Higher chance of non-aerial animals/people damaging your solar panels.
- Requires land that may be necessary for other functions, such as parking.
- The flat, vertically-angled surface is more susceptible to wind.
- Planning permission is required for systems above a certain size.
Solar panel installation usually occurs on rooftops. However, there’s also the opportunity for ground mounted systems.
Where to install solar panels very much depends on the layout of your property and buildings.
Maximising your available space can be beneficial to both reducing your carbon emissions and saving money on your energy bills.
Our team can advise you of the most suitable options.
The UK isn’t as hot as some countries, however, Solar panels can actually be more efficient on cold days. They start generating some power even in low light and can produce substantial amounts of energy in brighter conditions.
Since the UK is in the Northern Hemisphere a south-facing solar panel installation is the most effective. Panels that face south, are likely to receive the most amount of light across the span of a day. After south-facing, west is the best direction followed by east, with north being the least favorable.
System Electrical Group are well-versed in both residential and commercial systems. Using manufacturers software, we can design the optimum system for your needs.
