What are the Requirements for Getting Solar Panels Fitted to My Home?

Solar panels are an attractive option; they’re environmentally friendly, they can save you money and there are even grants available for their installation. Sadly, not all houses are suitable for solar panel installation.

If your house is situated in a conservation area or World Heritage Site, making any alterations to it can be a nightmare. In many cases, solar panel installation will be considered a “permitted development”, meaning you won’t need planning permission but will have to meet a few extra requirements;

1) The solar panels shouldn't spoil the look of the house or area too much.

2) The solar panels should cause minimal intrusion to the amenity of the area, i.e. the solar panel installation shouldn’t spoil those things that make the conservation area so attractive in the first place.

3) The solar panels should be removed as soon as possible should they no longer be in service. So, if you sell the property and the new owner doesn't intend to continue using the solar panels, they should be removed.

4) They cannot be installed above the ridgeline of the roof. Neither should they project more than 200mm from the roof.

5) Although solar panel installation does not require planning permission, if your house is listed the standard listed building consent is still necessary (just as if you were installing a satellite dish, for example).

Even if you house isn't listed or in a protected area, they are still a number of regulations to which you must adhere.

Obviously, the roof of your house has to be physically able to carry the panels. If your roof is in a poor state of repair, then it may not be strong enough to carry the weight, or may not offer a sufficiently secure anchor for the panels. In these cases, even were solar panel installers to fit them, there is a chance the panels may break the roof or even fall off. The strength of your roof will need to be checked and proven before you have solar panels installed. Strengthening or repair work may be necessary.

When you have technology that relies on the sun, it won't work if there is no light. All of the usual jokes about the British climate aside, roofs with a northern aspect are not suitable, and neither are those which are completely in the shade. In such cases, solar panel installation would be a complete waste of time and money, as the panels would simply not receive enough sunlight to function.

There are, in addition, all the usual requirements necessary of anyone having major electrical work done on their house. It’s advisable to get qualified solar panel installers in to check your house meets all of the essential requirements.

So, as long as your house meets all of these points then solar panel installers should be able to help you. The secret to green energy and lower fuel bills might be right above your head.