Things You Need to Consider Before Installing Solar PV

Incredibly significant progress has been made in solar power technology in recent years. There was a recent hike in the number of solar energy system installations in UK homes. You may reduce your impact on the planet with renewable energy while still powering your house or company by installing solar PV panels.

However, you must consider several factors before actually installing the system. Hence, this guide will walk you through the considerations you must make before installing your solar panel system.

Key Takeaways

• Before installing solar panels, assess your roof’s strength to ensure it can support the panels, and consider reinforcing if needed.
• Choose the right type of solar panels, as their quality directly impacts your PV system’s efficiency and longevity.
• Invest in a high-quality inverter, which can be a limiting factor for your solar installation and plays a crucial role in its performance.

Key Considerations Before Solar Panel Installation

Due to the relatively low price of solar panels, many companies and homes are switching to solar power. Saving money on electricity costs or going entirely off the grid is possible by decreasing grid energy use and increasing self-generated solar power.

Wondering how to install solar panels for your home or business?

A professional solar installer will easily handle this. However, you need to know what you’re doing to get an installation worth your money. You must consider the following factors before installing a solar panel.

Roof Strength

There is a possibility that the roof of certain buildings, particularly older ones, is not strong enough to hold solar panels. ‘W’ framed trussed roofs are typical in buildings constructed after 1970. Solar panels typically weigh around 20 kg apiece, and they can easily handle the weight of many panels.

Although installing cross strengtheners is not an especially expensive process, it may be necessary for older buildings. However, every roof should be inspected as it might contain termites or woodworms, significantly undermining its structure.

Several solar firms provide free roof assessments to determine if your roof is suitable for solar panels.

Types of Solar Panels

Various solar energy systems are readily available in the market. In contrast to photovoltaics, which can generate electricity, you can only use solar thermal systems to heat water.

The two most common types of solar energy systems are monocrystalline silicon panels and polycrystalline silicon panels. Although monocrystalline silicon panels have the potential to provide somewhat greater efficiency than polycrystalline, this is often outweighed by numerous other variables.

The amount of electricity your PV system produces is greatly affected by the quality of the solar panels you use. Once installed, a solar PV system runs up to almost 25 years. Thus, selecting a system from reputable solar companies will help your system run smoothly and without effort.

Inverter Requirements

The solar PV system comprises more than just the solar panels themselves; it also includes an inverter. Getting an inverter of high quality is crucial since these devices are often the limiting element for any solar installation. In most cases, the inverter is the first gear in the configuration to need replacement.

The lifespan of an inverter is typically between 10 and 15 years. Suppose you have trouble deciding between spending more on a quality solar panel or a top-quality inverter. In that case, your best bet is to spend the extra money on the inverter.

Energy Use

If you choose a qualified solar installer, they will assist you in tracking your energy use. This is crucial in establishing the desired output of the solar installation. Knowing your typical energy use can help you determine the number of solar panels you should install and what percentage of your energy needs can be met by solar energy.

Financial Incentives

People who want to set up solar panels may get financial incentives from the government in the UK. This aims to make it possible for electricity produced by solar technology to compete on an equal footing with other types of energy generation.

These subsidies may come in a variety of different ways. The two primary types are:

• Investment subsidies are a scheme where a portion of the cost of solar panel installation is partly returned.
• Feed-in tariffs/net metering allows you to sell the solar power you create to the electrical company that operates the grid. Here, your panels are connected to the consumer unit. This helps extra energy produce a return to the grid, in turn making you money and reducing your electricity bills.

When determining if it makes financial sense or not to put solar panels on your house or company, one of the most important factors to consider is whether or not your community offers any financial incentives.

Assessing Your Needs

Fortunately, there are not many power outages in the UK. However, if you have solar panels, it is doubtful that you can rely upon them to power the house if a blackout occurs. This is because the majority of solar power systems are connected to the grid through the use of a grid-wire inverter.

You must shut the grid down for necessary repairs if a blackout occurs. Therefore, even if solar panels are a good purchase, you shouldn’t count on them to rescue you in a power outage.

If you want to safeguard yourself against power outages, you must invest in a battery backup system.

Solar Battery

Since most households only use solar panels in the morning and the evening, the middle of the day—when the sun is shining brightest—doesn’t always line up with peak power use. In reality, people use their TVs, air conditioners, heaters, and other home equipment the most in the evening, after the sun has set.

Therefore, economically and environmentally, charging a solar battery during the day makes sense and consuming the stored energy afterwards.

Professional Installer

Once you fully grasp the issues mentioned above, it’s time to choose a solar installer. A professional will guide you in the following ways:

• Take a look at your needs
• Guides you toward the best installation and set-up
• Makes sure that proper planning permission and papers are obtained
• Ensures that installation is carried out and the necessary connections are made

Importantly, installation must be performed exclusively by trained experts. If you use a service, you may as well use one you know you can trust.

Discover the Power of Solar with Solar Panels Network

Are you navigating the world of solar installations? Look no further than Solar Panels Network, the UK’s trusted partner in harnessing the sun’s potential. Our dedication goes beyond just installations; we’re on a mission to transform how homeowners and businesses across the UK perceive and utilise energy. By choosing us, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and making a smart financial move that promises savings for years ahead. Contact us today and embark on your solar journey.

Wrapping Up

Solar technology is advantageous for a variety of reasons. It’s economical, so there’s no need to worry about ever paying a high electricity bill again. Due to government subsidies and tax concessions, it also has minimal maintenance and installation expenses.

Since solar energy releases no harmful pollutants, it will always be considered eco-friendly. Unlike other forms of energy, it does not result in damaging power spikes. It is crucial to emphasise the above points to ensure the solar PV system’s best possible performance and efficiency after installation.