Our head of solar, Scott Duncan, answers all the important questions you might have before deciding to install solar panels. 1. How do solar panels work? Solar power uses a process called the photovoltaic effect, which turns the sun’s radiation into electricity. Solar panels are made up of lots of photovoltaic cells containing silicon.
Choosing an energy supplier to install your solar PV can be especially beneficial if you plan to make use of an export tariff (to be paid for the excess energy you export to the grid), because some offer exclusive rates for customers who have bought their solar tech through them. E.ON Next is a Which? Trusted Trader accredited installer.
Boosting your rating from F to C, for example, can increase the value of your home by up to 15%. Our Energy Experts also found that installing 10 solar panels can increase your EPC rating by 1 band. For a 3-bedroom semi detached house, installing 10 solar panels would cost approximately £6,300. But they could add much more value than they cost.
Check local planning regulations to make sure you're allowed to install a solar PV system (see above). Check that the solar PV company is MCS certified and a member of the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC). Don't accept a price over the phone before the firm has visited. Get an Energy Performance Certificate for your home.
1. Is your roof strong enough? Some buildings, especially older ones, may not have the roof strength to support solar panels. Post 1970 structures usually have ‘W’ frame trussed roofs. These will readily support solar panels, which generally weight about 20kg each.
Some buildings, especially older ones, may not have the roof strength to support solar panels. Post 1970 structures usually have ‘W’ frame trussed roofs. These will readily support solar panels, which generally weight about 20kg each. Older structures may require inter-truss strengtheners, although this is not a particularly costly procedure.