Top 4 Things to Remember when Installing Solar Panels on your Home

As energy bills continue to rise and the renewable energy market gets more competitive, many more of us are eager consider installing solar panels. Of course, such an endeavour will work best with at least some assistance from a professional who can advise you on whether your home is suitable and how best to make use of you situation. What follows are five key points to remember at the very start of your solar powered adventure.

1. Location Suitability
The location of your house is likely to be something that crosses your mind when considering solar energy, and it is fair point especially if at the moment of this consideration you gaze out of the window and the sun is nowhere to be seen. The good news is that in spite of the UK not having a sun-drenched reputation, in an energy sense the country is more than satisfactory - with estimates that per metre of solar panel in the UK, 100-150W of electricity could be generated.

2. Property Suitability
After clarifying the suitability of your location, the next thing to consider is whether your property can accommodate solar panels. Typically you will need between two and four square metres of roof space that is facing somewhere between the south west and the south east. Additionally, you will also need to be sure you have the space for any further equipment such as necessary water cylinders etc. If your house is listed, then you may need planning permission to make modifications.

3. Budget
If your location and property is suitable for solar panel installation, you will then need to consider the budget needed. Prices will vary depending on your provider, but a good estimate for a domestic collector system will cost between £2,000 and £3,000 whilst so called evacuated tub systems cost more - up to £4,500. Once a solar collector is installed, however, it needs very little maintenance and is probably only in need of a professional check every three to five years.

4. On or Off the Grid
Finally, whilst estimating the budget needed, it is important to also consider whether you want to sell back any energy to the national grid. The installation of grid connect inverter by a qualified engineer will ensure that any surplus energy your solar panels produce will be fed back to the grid - resulting in a certain amount of credits per watt. This can then reduce your bills even further, and after installation does not require much maintenance or any manual operation.

Sarah Maple writes about energy management and renewable energy. The Green Project has been set up to give you and your community the best advice and recommendations on ways to make your home more energy efficient to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.