SUITABILITY
Effortless integration
Solar PV panels can be easily incorporated into the fabric of buildings and are suitable for almost all homes in the UK . Solar PV panels can be fixed to an existing pitched roof or a tilted frame on a flat roof. In this arrangement the panels will slightly protrude from the roof tiles but are still in keeping with the shape of the house. If you are replacing your roof you can now buy solar PV integrated roof tiles and slates that can form part of the weatherproof membrane or structure.
Versatility
As solar PV is made up of modules, typically around 1m x 1.5m, an array (the full solar PV installation) can be designed to accommodate virtually any size and shape of roof. Typical UK installations are around 14m2 or 15m2.
For example a 2.2kWp system could comprise of 12 panels taking up an area of 15m2 and will generate roughly 1800kWh per annum
Solar PV can also be mounted vertically and horizontally allowing the system to form part of the wall and roof structures in new properties.
Orientation and tilt
The amount of energy received from the sun does vary across the UK – but it not by a large amount.
Your roof should ideally face due south at a pitched angle of between 30° and 50° from the horizontal to give the best overall annual performance. Installations facing anywhere to the south of due east and due west are also feasible and quite common, although output is slightly reduced.
Installation is not recommended on roofs facing north.
Shading
A solar pv system can tolerate some shading early or late in the day without much reduction of overall output but it should not be shaded between 10am and 4pm. Nearby trees, chimneys, TV aerials and vent pipes are all common causes of shading and should be accounted for before any installation. Solar electricity doesn’t necessarily require direct sunlight and can still generate electricity on cloudy days.
A Chiltern Solar consultant will assess your home, help choose the panels and design a bespoke panel layout, so you can be assured you will use your roof space to its full potential.
Permissions
In England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland changes to permitted development rights for domestic renewable technologies mean that most solar electricity installations don’t generally require planning permission, as long as they respect certain criteria.
A key criterion is that the panels should not protrude more than 200mm when installed.
Particular exceptions apply for installations on flat roofs, listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas, world heritage sites and designated landscape areas.
We recommend you check with your local planning department in advance of installation. Chiltern Solar will be happy to do this on your behalf.
Make sure you inform your building insurance company of your installation as they may need to note it as a material fact on your policy. This shouldn’t increase your premiums but check first with your insurance company.
Chiltern Solar install throughout Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and London. Including; Watford, St Albans, Berkhampstead, High Wycombe, Aylesbury, Amersham, Chesham, Slough, The Chalfonts, Gerrards Cross, Luton, Milton Keynes, Bedford and all surrounding towns and villages.
