Solar panels - anyone got these / where to start?

[Kateandherbush]

Can anyone offer advice / tips in getting solar panels on their home (roof) and where to start?

I’m a total novice in their area but am keen to find out more and see if it’s a viable option on my home.

Bump🤞🏻

They're not really worth it for us. This might be useful for you x

www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need

Some of the info in the link is outdated. You can get a 3kw array from 8 panels.

speak to your local installer they may do a desktop analysis and a estimate which will give you an idea of the cost and the payback period.

I have a 2.7kwp array with 4.8kwh of battery storage. At first it took a bit of getting used to and we had a change our ways slightly to stop us importing electricity from the grid. Now we have adopted the changes we haven’t imported any electricity. You can also sign up for Smart Export Guarantee if you export any electricity generated you will receive payment from the electricity company.

Like with all purchases there are different brands. SolarEdge are market leaders but currently have a bit of a lead time. A good option at the cheaper end of the market is Solis.

Currently there is no VAT on domestic solar. Additionally depending on your circumstances you may qualify for Eco4 funding.

Depending on where you are based I could recommend who you could speak to.

Sorry forgot to mention if you go for an on roof system it is always worth paying extra for birdproofing. Seems an expensive add on but it will cost a lot more in the long run if birds start nesting under the panels with re-scaffolding charges etc.

Look for an installer with MCS accreditation. And see if you will find someone who will look at your roof before submitting a quote and project pack. Preferably find a recommendation from someone you trust.

mcscertified.com/find-an-installer/

The angle of the roof makes a huge difference. Our roof is a fairly shallow pitch and I wish we'd put the panels on a frame that tips them slightly.

Be aware that they're limited in the winter months. We have a 8kw array and 10kw battery. It does:
A fraction of what we use in dec
A quarter in jan and Nov
Half in Oct and March
Everything we need April to September.

In the summer months we export a lot and get about £160 a year back.

It didn't make much economic sense at first but I calculated the payback period on the upcoming price cap rates and payback is 6.7 years.

How much room do the batteries take up, and where do people tend to put them?

I'm considering these for our 4m x 5m flat roof extension in South East Scotland. I've contacted a local company for advice so I'll report back.

From what I've read, flat CAN (in some circumstances) be better as they can track the sun.

We remortgaged a couple of years ago at 1.1% to fund the installation of super efficient triple glazed windows but I checked today and the rate is 3.5% so hopefully there are finance options out there.

Roughly 50x40cm. About 25cm deep. They're wall mounted with an inverter that sits above that looks like a small boiler.

We have ours in the utility room and have two units to get to a 10kw battery but it's more standard to have one.

the batteries can go outside

@Yellowaveo59 If you are able to make recommendations I’d appreciate it- i’m in Cambridgeshire. Thank you!

Thank you all, this is all so helpful🙏🏻

One thing I am wondering about is that we are an extended bungalow, so we’ve lost one side of our pitched roof to a dormer, not sure if they can still put panels on the flat roof of the dormer. We do have a fairly big outbuilding and garage (flat roofs) which could be used, if that’s useable roof space as well.

We are in the South East - so any recommendations would be much appreciated.

You will need a largely south facing roof space that isn’t shaded.

if you have shading that can take out all panel, not just the one in the shade, unless you go for optimised panels.

There is a minimum roof gradient requirement. I think it’s about 35 degrees.

No shading although the roof side which is available is north facing, feck!

We have an east/west split which means we are generating throughout the day and it works really well for us.

In which case you will get dodgy companies still agreeing to supply but reputable companies will probably tell you it’s a poor investment

You could speak to Bobby at Anglian Renewables or Cambridge Solar.

For the South East up you can speak to S-Tec

@Yellowaveo59 do you have any recommendations for Cardiff/South Wales? Sorry to jump on your thread OP.

We have 14kw of solar and 27kwh of battery storage. Most of our electric is covered through spring and summer. We have electric cars and live out in the sticks with a commute, so use a lot of electric. We bought ours just before everything went crazy. It's a great investment, but without battery storage would be less good by a long way.

House & Garden punished an article on them recently - here www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/solar-panels-guide