There is no disguising the fact that the UK has a moderate climate, with relatively low levels of sunshine compared to other countries, particularly in winter. However, solar panels can still be an effective source of energy for homes and businesses in the UK.
Here are a few factors to consider when determining whether solar panels are a good fit for you:
Solar Panels Location:
The amount of sunlight you receive depends on your location. The south and southwest of the UK generally receive more sun but designing a solar system that generates what our customers require in the North of England is very achievable.
Roof Orientation:
The ideal roof orientation for solar panels is south facing. This allows the panels to receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day (as we are in the Northern Hemisphere), although we can design split systems for east/werst facing roofs to get as much sunlight during the day as possible.
Roof Pitch:
The steeper the roof, the more sunlight the panels will receive. A pitch between 30-40 degrees is optimal for solar panels in the UK. For flat roof systems or ground mounted systems, we design all our solutions at the optimal pitch for your property.
Shading:
Solar panels need clear, unobstructed access to sunlight. Any shading from trees, buildings or other structures will reduce their effectiveness. Our design software calculates shading from nearby trees automatically, and our expert surveyors can advise on any shading that may be an issue from foliage or structures near your new system.
Energy Consumption:
The size of the solar panel system you need will depend on your energy consumption. The more energy you use, the larger the system you will need.
Overall, solar panels can be a good investment in the UK, with potential energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. It is recommended to assess your property’s suitability and calculate potential energy savings before making a decision.
How Can Eclipse Help?
At Eclipse Energy, we believe in creating a solution that’s perfect for your property, not an off the shelf solar system. We design the size of our systems around your annual energy usage, and take into account the shape, direction and structure of your roof to build something that works for you, in terms of generation but also aesthetically.
Our surveyors consult with you throughout the process, ensuring you are happy with where materials like inverters are situated, and whether your personal situation merits the addition of battery storage.
We can also advise on the best utility tariffs to maximise the benefits to you. For example, by using a tariff with cheaper night time electricity, you can charge your batteries at night time (if they’re not already full) to use during the day.
Get a Free No Obligation Quote for Solar Panels
Interested in finding out more, and seeing what a solar system can do for your home? Why not read more about our solar panels and battery storage solutions here, or contact us today for a free, no obligation quote.