Thinking about installing solar panels and live in Lancashire? Here we explain why that's a good idea and how much you can expect to pay.
- Best Angle For Solar Panels in Lancashire
- Solar Panel Installation Lancashire Costs
- Factors That Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lancashire
- Things to Consider When Positioning Your Lancashire Solar Panels
- How Solar Panel Wattage Impacts Energy Generation Capacity
- Other Efficiency and Power Generation Factors
- Does the Angle and Position of Solar Panels Matter?
- How to Choose the Right Solar Panel Company
- What Types of Panels Do They Install?
- Who is the Best Solar Panel Installer in Lancashire?
Welcome to the world of renewable energy in Lancashire, a region at the forefront of embracing sustainable solutions in the UK.
As we shift towards a greener lifestyle, solar energy emerges as a key player, offering a viable path to reducing our environmental impact.
This blog post offers an in-depth look into solar panel installation in Lancashire, highlighting the critical considerations for consumers and outlining the costs involved. With a record-breaking number of installations, Lancashire is witnessing a solar revolution.
The latest data from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) reveals a striking 114% increase in solar PV installations in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, with over 50,719 installations.
This surge underscores the region's commitment to renewable energy and positions Lancashire as a leader in the UK's solar energy landscape.
Whether you're a homeowner eager to join this eco-friendly movement or a business seeking to leverage solar power, understanding the nuances of solar panel installation is crucial.
Let's explore the facets of harnessing solar energy in Lancashire, revealing how it can transform both our ecological footprint and economic efficiency
PS We offer MCS-certified solar panel installation nationwide. Simply answer these questions, get your fixed price and arrange your free design.
Best Angle For Solar Panels in Lancashire
The effective placement of your solar panels is a critical aspect of the installation process, especially in Lancashire.
The objective is to position the panels in such a way that they capture the maximum amount of sunlight. This involves considering various factors like seasonal changes, geographical location, and potential shading.
In Lancashire, as in most UK locations, the ideal installation angle for solar panels is typically between 30 and 40 degrees, with a south-facing position being preferable.
This orientation ensures optimal exposure to sunlight, thereby maximising electricity generation.
However, unique circumstances such as roof shading or structural limitations might necessitate adjustments.
That's why conducting a comprehensive survey of your property is an indispensable step in ensuring your solar installation is as efficient as possible.
Solar Panel Installation Lancashire Costs
One of the reasons that people are hesitant to install solar panels on their home or business is because of the cost.
On average, solar panels cost anywhere from £5,000 to £10,000.
However, the actual cost can vary depending on the size and quality of the system you choose.
While solar panels are expensive upfront, the break-even point is lower than ever and means you can reduce the amount of money you give to greedy energy companies.
If you'd like to learn more about the numbers you can expect, read our complete analysis of the costs here.
You also can't put a price tag on doing your part to help the environment.
Additionally, because solar panels are helping to achieve the net-zero goals, you could also qualify for government grants to help with the cost of installation.
Explore a Solar Case Study: Check out an insightful Q&A session featured in one of our detailed case studies on domestic solar panels. Hear directly from a Heatable customer in the UK and gain valuable perspectives on their experience here.
The image above shows a 23-panel solar installation, carried out by the MCS-certified solar team at Heatable, featuring the REA Fusion2 solar panels.
Factors That Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lancashire
When considering solar panel installation, it's important to understand that costs can vary significantly.
The total expense of your solar panel system hinges on several factors, each playing a pivotal role in determining the final price.
Key considerations include:
Home Coverage: The proportion of your home's energy needs you intend to meet with solar power.
Number of Panels: The total number of solar panels required to meet your energy consumption.
Panel Quality and Type: Different types and qualities of solar panels come with varying costs.
Additional Equipment: Costs associated with the ancillary equipment required for installation, such as inverters and mounting systems.
Panel Efficiency: Higher efficiency panels typically cost more, but they also provide greater energy output.
Installation Company: The expertise and reputation of the solar installation company you choose.
While the upfront cost of solar panel installation can be substantial, it's crucial to prioritize quality.
Opting for cheaper products or installation services might save money initially but can lead to increased costs in the long run due to lower efficiency, durability, and potential maintenance issues.
To ensure you make an informed decision, it’s advisable to consult a comprehensive guide to the top solar panel installers in your area.
This will help you choose a reputable and experienced installer who can provide the best value for your investment.
Remember, a well-executed solar installation is not just about saving on energy bills; it's also an investment in sustainable living.
Things to Consider When Positioning Your Lancashire Solar Panels
As an MCS-accredited installer, Heatable adheres to the rigorous MCS methodology for evaluating your property and customizing your solar system design.
Here's an enhanced breakdown of the process used by your MCS-accredited installer to calculate the number of solar panels needed for your home:
1. Establishing PV Array's Electrical Rating: This involves calculating the solar array's power capacity in kilowatts peak (kWp).
2. Determining Location Factors: Your installer will consider your postcode region, the pitch (angle) of the array, and its orientation (direction).
3. Solar Radiation and Shading Analysis: They will consult location-specific tables to determine the solar radiation input factor (kk) and assess shading using the shade factor procedure to calculate the shading factor (SF).
The general formula for estimating annual output is:
Estimated Annual Output (kWh/yr) = Array Size (kWp) x Solar Radiation Input Factor (kk) x Shade Factor (SF).
Step 1: Assessing Your Energy Consumption
First, review your annual energy usage, which can be found on your previous year's energy bill.
Note any significant changes, like the purchase of an EV, that might alter your consumption.
The average UK household uses about 2,900 kWh yearly, but this can fluctuate seasonally, with up to 35% more usage in winter due to shorter days and more time spent indoors. Integrating a solar battery can help balance this variation.
Step 2: Roof Capacity for Solar Panels
On average, each solar panel in the UK occupies about 1.7m².
By dividing your roof area by this figure, you can estimate the number of panels it can accommodate.
For example, a 40m² roof could potentially fit up to 23 panels.
Step 3: Calculating the Array Size
To determine the required array size, use this formula: Array Size (kWp) = Panel Output (W) x Number of Panels.
The average UK array size is 3.5kWp, typically achieved with ten 350W panels.
Step 4: Solar Radiation Input Factor
This factor varies based on your location and the specifics of your roof (orientation, angle, and pitch). Determining this factor helps estimate how much sunlight your solar panels will receive.
Step 5: Assessing the Shade Factor
A shade-free roof is ideal. If there's no shade, the shade factor is 1. If there is shade, refer to the MCS website for detailed steps to calculate this factor.
Step 6: Final Calculation
After gathering all the data, input your figures into the formula to estimate the number of panels needed. Alternatively, use our online solar calculator for a quick estimate.
For more insights on solar power's viability in the UK and to learn about solar panel requirements and solar car charging, explore our comprehensive guides and articles.
How Solar Panel Wattage Impacts Energy Generation Capacity
Naturally, the higher a solar panel’s wattage, the more energy it can potentially generate. The same applies on a larger scale for a solar array containing multiple panels.
However, it’s important to note that efficiency also matters. The average silicon-based solar panel has an energy efficiency of around 15-22%.
For example, the REA-Fusion panels exclusive to Heatable achieve efficiency of up to 24% and a power output of 480 watts.
The high-efficiency crystalline double-sided design gives these panels a much larger solar surface area and so unlike many leading competitors that only have a single side, these panels can generate electricity on both sides - increasing their max power output by 10%.
We have also reviewed the best solar panels and covered how long solar panels last in the UK.
Other Efficiency and Power Generation Factors
Efficiency and power generation are affected by more than just size and the quality of the panel.
When it comes to energy efficiency, you’ll also want to consider how well a panel is likely to maintain its efficiency over time.
You can generally judge this best by considering the guarantees offered by the manufacturer.
For example, the REA Fusion Energy solar panels that are exclusive to Heatable have an efficiency rating of 24% and come with a 25-year warranty (that is also insurance-backed).
As for other power generation factors, you’ll also want to keep the following in mind:
Number of panels
The average number of sunlight hours in your region
Roof orientation
Whether your panels are obscured from sunlight at any time of the day
Does the Angle and Position of Solar Panels Matter?
Contrary to what you may think, the angle position of your panels is extremely important.
Only when the panels are facing the right direction and positioned at the right angle will they be able to harness the sun's energy and generate electricity at their full potential.
Ultimately, if the solar PV panels are not installed properly, the panels may not produce enough energy to meet your goals.
Did you know we offer solar panel installation throughout the UK? That includes:
How to Choose the Right Solar Panel Company
Because of how important it is that your solar system gets installed properly, it's essential to hire a trustworthy solar installation company.
Here's a quick overview of how to vet a solar panel installer in Lancashire:
What Types of Panels Do They Install?
It's important to understand that there's a distinction between solar panel installers and manufacturers.
The installers are the people who will install your panels, while the manufacturer is the company that creates them. In most cases, they aren't one and the same.
Therefore, it's important to know what type of system and equipment a company installs before you hire them.
For instance, the REA Fusion solar panels are exclusive to Heatable and have the following attributes:
Low-light-optimised solar panels - perfect for the UK
AC optimised for maximum safety
Bi-facial - both sides generate power
25-year insurance company-backed product & performance warranty
24-hour monitoring of each solar panel
Solid Customer Reviews
Once you've compiled a preliminary list of Lancashire's best solar panel installers, you should check their online reviews.
Online and word-of-mouth reviews will tell you way more about a company can themselves.
Accredited and insured Solar Installers
Next, you should ensure that any company you're considering hiring is accredited and insured.
If they don't have both of these qualifications, you should look elsewhere immediately.
For instance, Heatable are:
Members of key industry bodies e.g. MCS accreditation and The Home Insulation & Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme (HIES).
Offer a 2-year workmanship warranty.
Ongoing Maintenance and Repairs
Solar panel systems are extremely durable and can last up to 25 years, if not much longer.
However, there's a good chance you'll require occasional maintenance or repairs along the way.
Therefore, you should ensure that the team you hire to install your solar system can also perform repairs, maintenance, and replacements if necessary.
Solar Expertise
As with most industries, experience is second to none when hiring the right solar installation team.
An experienced installer will know exactly how to position your panels to ensure maximum direct sunlight with little to no interference from the elements or surrounding geography.
An experienced installer will also be able to install your panels and inverter, perform other services, and connect your system to the national grid.
This is why we always advise anyone considering solar to go with an MCS-accredited company.
Who is the Best Solar Panel Installer in Lancashire?
Because of the increasing popularity of solar panels in Lancashire, there are plenty of installation companies to choose from, including the following:
Heatable - We offer Nationwide Coverage
Clever Energy Boilers
Solum GB
Solar Panel Installers London
While several installation companies offer installation in Lancashire, why do we think you should choose us?
We have previous experience with solar installations.
We have thousands of positive customer reviews e.g. on the review platform Trustpilot.
We are members and are certified with key industry bodies e.g. MCS accreditation and The Home Insulation & Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme (HIES).
We offer a 2-year workmanship warranty.
Our solar panels are insurance-backed.
Final Thoughts About Solar Panels in Lancashire
Solar panels are one of the best ways for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint while saving money on their energy bills.
Although you might be tempted to install your system, there's a good chance you won't have your panels at the right angle, facing the right direction, or make a mistake with one of the connections.
Maybe most important is the fact that if you intend to earn money via the Smart Export Guarantee, your panels will need to be fitted by an MCS-certified installer.
For that reason, you should turn to the pros at Heatable to handle your solar installation.
Heatable is MCS certified and one of the UK's most trusted solar panel installation companies, and our services are available in Lancashire.
Next Steps For Your Solar Journey:
When planning to install solar panels for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their solar installation.
Get a Quote for Solar Today
Without boasting you should get your solar installed with us, here's why:
Thousands of Happy Customers: We boast an average score of 4.9 on Trustpilot, outperforming the market leader.
Which? Trusted Trader: Heatable is proudly recognised as a Which? Trusted Trader.
MCS Accredited: Our accreditation by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) ensures high-quality standards.
Exclusive Panels: We offer REA Fusion solar panels, available only through Heatable.
Consumer Protection: As members of the HIES consumer code, we provide 2-year deposit protection.
Flexible Payment Options: Choose from multiple payment methods, including finance options.
Fixed Price Guarantee: Enjoy transparency with no hidden costs.
Save Your Quote: You can save your quote and decide later.
Bespoke Design Tool: Draw your own conclusion (literally) on whether solar is worth it for you, here.
