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  • Writer's pictureRyan Williams

Determining Your Solar Eligibility: How to Know If You Qualify for Solar Energy

Updated: Jul 14, 2023


Person checking eligibility for solar energy with a checklist


SHOULD I INSTALL SOLAR PANELS?


First and foremost, it's wonderful that you're considering the installation of solar panels! However, it's essential to understand that solar energy may not be suitable for everyone. To determine your eligibility, it is recommended to consult with a certified solar panel installer.

Here at Sola Renewable Company, we prioritize recommending solar panel installations only if they will be financially advantageous for our customers. Our team of Solar Designers will create a customized system that maximizes energy generation while considering your specific circumstances. To assess the suitability of your property for solar and receive a free quote, design, and survey, please complete our contact form.

Your eligibility for solar depends on four primary factors, which provide a guideline to determine if solar PV is the right choice for you.


1. YOUR CURRENT ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION Your current electricity consumption serves as an indicator of the amount of solar energy you'll need to generate. It determines the size of the solar PV system required. A reputable solar installer will request a copy of your energy bill during the quotation process to design a system that aligns with your energy usage and lifestyle. It's important to provide details about when you use electricity. If your home is occupied during the day, you can utilize the generated green energy in real-time. Conversely, if you primarily consume elect


ricity at night, a battery storage system would be beneficial.


2. ROOF PITCH, ORIENTATION, AND AVAILABLE SPACE After assessing your solar energy needs, it's time to evaluate the suitability of your roof for solar panel installation.

Space: The size of your roof determines the maximum solar energy production capacity. Installing more solar panels translates to increased renewable energy generation.

Pitch & Orientation: The pitch and orientation of your roof determine the amount of sunlight it receives throughout the day. Ideally, a south-facing roof with minimal shading and a pitch angle between 30 to 40 degrees is optimal. However, not meeting these exact requirements doesn't necessarily rule out solar panel installation.

East or west-facing installations only experience a minor decrease of around 15% in energy


generation. By combining the right solar battery capacity and solar panels, such a system can still be a worthwhile investment. However, north-facing roofs are generally not recommended.

Even flat roofs can accommodate solar PV systems. In fact, they offer flexibility in design, as installers can use flat roof solar mounts to position the solar panels at the optimal angle. This type of system is commonly used for off-grid solar installations as well.


3. ROOF SHADING Nearby buildings, trees, or chimneys have the potential to cast shadows over your solar panel array, impacting energy generation. When panels are connected in sequence, shading on one panel can disrupt the entire system's performance. However, innovative solutions like Tigo Optimisers can mitigate this issue. With Tigo technology, each solar panel operates independently, preventing shading, dirt, or leaves on one panel from affecting the entire system's performance.

At Sola Renewable Company, we offer over-the-air surveys. By providing your address details, we can locate your property on Google Maps to assess these factors. This allows us to create a CAD model of your property and calculate potential savings.


4. RADIANCE LEVEL OF YOUR LOCATION By providing your postcode, a solar installer can evaluate whether the radiance level in your area is sufficient to power a solar system. It's no secret that certain regions in the UK receive more sunlight than others. Some popular solar cities include Peterborough, Lincolnshire, and Sunderland. However, even in areas with lower radiance levels, technologies like battery storage can help compensate. The best course of action is to schedule a consultation with a solar expert to discuss your options.



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