Keep Your Home Solar System Running at Peak Performance

Rooftops that face south derive the greatest benefit from solar panel installations since they receive prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially at its peak intensity. Consequently, south-facing roofs generate the maximum solar energy. Nevertheless, having panels on a different roof orientation doesn’t negate the advantages.

East and West-facing roofs are also viable for solar panel installations and still yield a substantial amount of green energy throughout the day. The reduction in generation for installations facing east or west is typically only around 15%.

On the contrary, north-facing roofs are not recommended for solar panel installations. However, even if you have a flat roof, it doesn’t exclude the possibility of installing a PV system. In fact, flat roofs are often preferable due to their flexibility in design. Installers can use mounts to optimize the angle of the solar panels. If you’re uncertain, feel free to reach out, and our design team can conduct a remote survey of your roof.

Surprisingly, solar energy may not be a suitable option for every home or business. The eligibility for solar panels hinges on four key factors:

1. Your existing electricity consumption.
2. The pitch, orientation, and available space on your roof.
3. The presence of any shading.
4. The level of sunlight exposure in your location.

To determine if your property qualifies for solar, reach out to us! Our team of solar consultants is ready to assist you in gathering more information.

In most cases, Planning permission is not necessary for the installation of Solar Panels, as they fall under the category of “Permitted Developments” (PD). However, for Solar Panels to qualify as PD, they must adhere to the following criteria:

1. The Solar Panels should not be installed above the highest point of the property, excluding chimneys.
2. Installation should minimize visual impact on the property and its surroundings.
3. The Solar Panels must not extend more than 200mm from the roof surface.

If your property is listed or situated within a conservation area, obtaining planning permission is likely necessary. If you’re uncertain, a Deege Solar consultant can provide guidance.

While traditional grants for solar panels are not currently available in the UK, there are incentives in place. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is the sole scheme currently accepting new applications. Launched on January 1, 2020, the SEG enables homeowners with solar panels (up to 5MW capacity) to receive payment for excess energy sold back to the grid.

Contrary to common belief, Solar PV Panels are not included in the Green Homes Grant.

It’s possible to add a home battery. Two option available

A) Change the inverter to include Dc coupled battery. This offers the highest yield, whilst minimising the transition losses from generated solar DC energy to your storage battery also in DC.  

B) Leave your solar system existing and install an AC-coupled battery storage. This does lean toward more energy losses approx 8% , but the upside is often saved on the labor due to alterations in panel string configurations. 

Yes, you will be glad to hear batteries are now free from VAT and are zero-rated. If you missed out on installing batteries now could be a great time to get your installed.