Domestic PV Systems

Fossil fuels pollute the air and contribute to climate change. The average UK home could save a tonne of carbon dioxide each year by installing solar panels. Generating clean energy means relying less on harmful fossil fuels and energy imports from abroad.

The government introduced the Feed-in Tariff scheme (FITs) to promote renewable energy. Through the scheme, you can earn money from generating your own electricity with a solar PV system – even if you use the electricity yourself.

Is my roof suitable?

The suitability of your roof for solar PV installation depends on two things:

1. Roof tilt angle

The ideal tilt angle (slope) of a roof for solar panels is 45 degrees. Most roofs have around a 30-degree tilt, which is fine for solar panels.

2. Orientation

Solar PV panels produce the most power on a south-facing roof with little or no shade. Your roof is still suitable for panels if it faces southwest or southeast, but your system will have a lower output.

How do I maintain my system?

Solar PV systems don’t need much maintenance because panels have no moving parts. The inverter that converts the power from your panels into useable electricity will need replacement at some point within 25 years.

Rain takes care of most of the cleaning when you install panels on an ideal roof slope. But it’s best to clean them manually from time to time if dirt, bird-droppings or leaves build up.