What are the factors often overlooked but are worth being aware of? Here we explore some of the most common oversights.
Designing a solar array is not always as simple as it might seem at first glance. It’s why you never see Bob the Builder try his hand at solar - too tricky.
There are a multitude of factors that need to be considered and many are often overlooked, even talking cranes.
Or in some cases, the potential limitations and pitfalls of specific components or designs are ignored completely.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the most "common things people wish they knew before installing solar" so that you can avoid these common pitfalls.
Let's begin...
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Things To Know Before Investing In Solar Panels UK
First, it's essential to be aware that no two solar installations are ever the same. They’re like snowflakes, fingerprints, or members of Gen Z (supposedly).
The variables like the property location, shading, and roof size are just some of the factors that can impact the solar array design.
However, there are some things that anyone would benefit from being aware of, no matter the individual circumstances of that particular property. Like having access to sun rays.
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.
Here are the most important things to be aware of:
Integrated Solar Panels May Overheat
In-roof or integrated solar panels are often appealing to homeowners, since as their name suggests they are designed to be more aesthetically pleasing and be integrated into the roof of the property.
However, not only are integrated solar panels more expensive to install, maintain and repair, but they also have another vulnerability that is often overlooked, like a superhero with a severe peanut allergy.
Integrated solar panels are more prone to overheating, which in turn can result in a reduction in power output/efficiency and in some cases can result in them not working at all.
Overheating isn't as common with on-roof solar panels, since they have adequate space underneath that enables consistent airflow, which helps to prevent the panels from getting too hot that they can no longer function.
Therefore, when considering whether to opt for in-roof or on-roof solar panels, it's important to be aware that although your aesthetic preferences are important, the performance of the panels should also be considered. It’s a bit much to get solar panels solely because they’re fancy to look at.
Watch our video with Allen Hart, where he reveals the things he wished he had known before installing solar:
Consider Battery Backup (Backup Load)
Unfortunately, the majority of solar storage batteries will not work in the event of a power cut, even if they are fully charged, meaning you will not be able to use the stored energy. It’s just sitting there, taunting you.
This means that you aren't entirely off-grid so if you want a reliable system, even in the event of a power outage - consider battery backup or a battery that has a backup load option.
This feature enables you to manually switch the battery over to a pre-wired circuit in case of a power cut.
For example, the Alpha ESS storage battery that we at Heatable offer has a 16 amp backup load connection which can be wired to a small circuit.
Be Aware of Energy Tariffs
The type of energy tariff you have can have a huge impact on your energy bills, this is particularly true during the winter months when you may see a dip in the energy production from your solar array.
One of the most financially advantageous tactics you can employ is to opt for an overnight tariff and use solar battery storage.
This allows you to charge your solar battery during the night when electricity prices are at their cheapest - ready for use the next day. Then laugh maniacally while rubbing your hands together.
That way, during winter you can buy energy from the grid at the cheapest possible price, along with any electricity generated by your solar panels.
Still, learning about solar? Check out our guides on how many solar panels you need and how solar car charging works.
Depth of Discharge Matters
The depth of discharge (DoD) refers to the amount of energy withdrawn from a battery compared to its rated capacity, expressed as a percentage.
For example, if the battery enables you to store 50kw of energy, you will not be able to use the full amount at once.
Instead, the discharge rate will determine the amount of energy you can draw from the battery at any one time. This stops the next Bond villain from powering their latest weapon.
For instance, the storage battery may only allow you to draw 3kW of energy from the battery at any one time.
This is essential to be aware of, since if your energy demands exceed the discharge rate, then the extra demand will result in energy being drawn from the National Grid at an additional expense.
Consider Microinverters
The inverter's function is to convert the direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) since this is the type of current that is able to be used by our home's appliances and circuits. Without a converter, it’s like trying to power your house with lightning.
Microinverters are a relatively recent innovation that has many significant advantages compared to traditional string inverters.
For example, a microinverter will allow you to produce more electricity since each microinverter has its own circuit compared to traditional string inverters that share one. Think back on how you felt having to share with your siblings, and you might intuitively understand.
This means that the panels in a shared string circuit can negatively influence each other - for example, if one panel's output drops, the rest of the panels in the string circuit will also reduce their power output to match the power output of the panel.
They are also ideal for cloudy locations like the UK.
Since solar panels that use microinverters are essentially mini-solar systems, they can start to generate electricity in low light (requiring just 22 volts).
Compare this to typical panels that utilise a string inverter that requires at least 200 volts to even begin energy generation - again, this makes microinverters perfect for a cloudy place like the UK. With microinverters, your solar panels feel like they’re always on vacation.
We have also reviewed the best solar panels and covered how long solar panels last in the UK.
Join Thousands of Satisfied Customers:
We’re proud to be MCS accredited and Which? Trusted solar installers with over 10,000 glowing reviews on Trustpilot. Discover why so many trust us for their solar panel installations—visit our Reviews and Testimonials page and watch Phil’s video testimonial below.
Selling Energy Via SEG Should Be the Last Resort
Having the ability to sell your electricity back to the National Grid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a fantastic perk of going solar.
But the reality is that this option should be your last resort since you will never be able to sell the energy at the same price you buy it for.
For instance, the highest SEG rate is currently offered by Octopus at 12p per kWh, yet the average cost of buying a kWh of electricity is 33.2p.
That makes starting a utility company sound like a great business model.
Considering that the average household does not use around 50% of the electricity generated, selling it via the SEG can be well worth it and contribute to reducing your break-even point further.
However, it's worth noting that in general, it's far more financially rewarding to use as much energy as possible from your solar rather than selling it to the grid, yet we understand that this is not always possible. Don’t let your leaf blower run all day just to get the most out of your solar panels, though.
If you are researching solar panel companies, you may find our resources valuable. Check out our comprehensive comparison of the best solar panel companies in the UK, learn about the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) process, and explore our detailed solar panel guide and solar advice section for expert insights and recommendations.
Don't Forget Pigeon Proofing
Pigeon-proofing and more generally bird-proofing your solar panels from day one is a major advantage from a cost perspective. Especially ostriches can wreak havoc on your solar panels.
If you wait until your solar panels are already installed and even worse pigeons have already started to nest, the costs involved will be considerably more.
Pigeons and other birds can create a lot of mess that can be inconvenient and potentially hazardous to remove. It can also lead to a dip in efficiency and/or impact energy production.
These are some of the major types of mess pigeons can create:
Fouling
Feathers that they shed
Food scraps that they bring with them
Nesting materials
Therefore, if you are considering a solar array, it's worth getting them pigeon-proofed from day one.
Can you get free or subsidised solar panels in the UK?
Potentially yes, you can apply for funding and may be eligible for help with the costs of a solar panel installation via the ECO4 scheme.
Explore what solar panel grants and funding are currently available in our comprehensive solar grant guide here.
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.
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Flexible Payment Options: Choose from multiple payment methods, including finance options.
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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.
