Are solar panels right for my home?

With more than 1.3 million properties having solar panels, powering your home from the sun’s energy is becoming more and more common. 

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaics – or PV for short – are panels that are usually mounted on your roof to capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity. The electricity they generate can be used at home to run appliances, heating or charge an electric car. It can be stored in a battery for later use or you can make money by selling any extra back to the grid.

• Sun shines on the solar panel and solar energy is absorbed by individual PV cells. These are usually made from layers of semi-conducting silicone.
• The sunlight energises the PV cells to create an electrical charge. The stronger the sun, the more electricity, but they can work even on cloudy days.
• The direct current it creates is converted into electricity to run your household appliances.

There are four things to consider when deciding if solar panels are suitable for you and your home:

• Does your roof face the right way? A south-facing sloping roof that isn’t in the shade will generate the most electricity. East or west facing roofs will still work but will create 15-20% less energy.
• Is your roof in too much shade? Buildings, trees or chimneys that are close by could shade your roof. This would mean they generate less electricity but you can use devices known as solar optimisers to improve their performance.
• Is your roof big enough? The average solar panel system of between six and 12 panels will cover 10 to 20m2 of suitable roof area.
• What type of roof do you have? Ideally, your roof is a sloping one that is south facing, though you can install solar panels on a flat roof, on a shed or garage. And you can even have them in your garden on a frame.

Solar panels on houses are classed as ‘permitted development’ though there may be restrictions if you live in a listed building, a conservation area or national park. Check with your local council if you need planning permission. You or the installer must register it with your Distribution Network Operator.

Solar panels cost around £6,000 to £7,000 to install. A typical system can save around three quarters of a tonne of CO2 per year and reduce your electricity bills significantly. For example, if you live in the north of England you could save around £400 to £600 each year. You can see what this might mean for you and your home by using the Energy Saving Trust’s solar panel calculator. 

As part of our impartial free energy advice service, we can direct you to sources of trusted certified solar panel installers. Simply get in touch or use our free online home checker.