Investing in solar panels can save you hundreds of pounds a year on energy bills and help the environment by not using fossil fuels. But if you’re deciding whether your home is suitable to have them installed, here’s some advice on what you need to know.
Getting the best results from solar panels
Ideally, your roof should be south facing and at an angle of around 30 degrees to be in the best position to generate the most electricity.
However, solar panels will still work if your roof faces in any other direction and can be installed onto a flat roof with a mount (this places it on an angle). This won’t generate as much electricity but it will still be a significant amount.
View our case study and find out how Mr Johnson and Mrs Rudkin benefitted by switching to solar energy.
What if it’s cloudy?
There’s a myth that solar panels do not work on cloudy days but we can confirm that it isn’t true, they will still generate electricity.
This is because solar panels do not require direct sunlight to work, they generate electricity using the sun’s rays. If you’ve been to the beach on a cloudy day and comeback with sunburn, you’ve experienced this effect.
The panels will generate about 10-25% of their rated capacity in cloudy weather, dependant on how thick the cloud is. However, all that matters is how much sun you get all year round.
Other things to consider
With those things in mind, you’ll also need to look if there are any obstacles that could block the rays from reaching the panels. For example: trees, an extension on a building, or something even bigger.
Still not sure?
If you’re still not sure whether your home is suitable for solar panels, give us a call today on 01691 624336. We can give you some more advice over the phone if you need it to help you make your decision or you can request a free consultation.