Is a PV array suitable for my property

Where should a PV array be sited?

There are two main types of PV panel that can be chosen, each with different criteria for installation.

Crystalline panels

Most people are aware of crystalline PV panels, which ideally should be sited on a south facing roof or ground mounted support system at a 30°to 40° pitch. However, an east or west facing array can also have up to 85% optimal performance.

Amorphous panel

An amorphous PV panel is considerably thinner that a crystalline panel and significantly lighter and is designed for roofs that have a pitch of 15° or less. They are also well suited for lightweight roof structures, such as factories and barns.

PV systems can be accommodated on flat roofs or the ground with a choice of mounting systems to achieve the correct angle of inclination for flat roofed buildings manufactured from a range of materials to suit their location.

Do I need planning permission?

In most regions, domestic PV panel systems are viewed as ‘permitted development’ items that require no planning authority approval, so long as they are installed within certain guidelines.

However agricultural, commercial, community and multi-residence dwellings will require planning authority approval.

Wherever necessary we will deal with the local planning authority on your behalf, obtaining written approval before we commence any works.

Your Property and Energy Efficiency

On 1 April 2012 the government made a change to its policy for feed-in tariffs (FITs), stating that only homes with an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of D or above would be able to claim the full feed in tariff.

The government estimated that around half of UK properties meet grade D already. Some properties, generally the older ones, will require an intervention of some type to make the grade. Intervention measures such as insulation, low energy lighting and boiler replacement all make a difference.

We can advise you as to the likely level of energy performance of your property. We can also help you to arrange for an assessor to visit and compile a report.

It is important to note that the installation of PV on your property will raise your property up a band, so in most cases the installation will be enough. That said we would always advise you to try and make your property as energy efficient as you possibly can. This will save you money and improve your comfort in the long run.

Shading

Any object throwing shade on to a PV panel will cause a lowering in the performance of the array and must be taken in to consideration when calculating the anticipated energy output for your system.

Any object throwing shade on to a PV panel will cause a lowering in the performance of the array and must be taken in to consideration when calculating the anticipated energy output for your system.