{"id":1321,"date":"2026-03-15T10:14:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-15T10:14:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mywarmhome.co.uk\/stage\/?page_id=1321"},"modified":"2026-10-12T06:41:25","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T06:41:25","slug":"solar-panels","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mywarmhome.co.uk\/stage\/solar-panels\/","title":{"rendered":"Solar"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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RENEWABLES \/ MY WARM HOME<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar panels: a homeowner\u2019s guide.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Check the roof, understand your electricity use and plan the complete installation before you commit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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01<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check your roof<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Orientation, pitch, shading and roof condition.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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02<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan the system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Understand consumption, output and installer proposals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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03<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Install safely<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mounting, panels, inverter and electrical work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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04<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check & maintain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Commissioning, handover and ongoing performance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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THE SHORT VERSION<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good solar installation starts before a panel goes on the roof.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity for the home. Suitability, generation and savings depend on the property, the proposed system and when the household uses electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not every roof is suitable, and not every installation will deliver the savings a homeowner expects. Survey the roof, check your electrical installation, compare detailed estimates and understand the handover before signing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide follows the practical journey from the first survey to monitoring the finished system. For a more detailed companion guide, see Solar \u2014 Part 2<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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01 \/ PROPERTY SUITABILITY<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is your home suitable for solar panels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first stage is to understand the roof, its surroundings and the existing electrical installation. A solar proposal should be based on the site, not simply the number of panels that fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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01<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roof orientation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

South-facing roofs often generate strongly in the UK. East- and west-facing roofs can also be worthwhile; actual output depends on the site.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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02<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roof pitch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tilt affects generation, but there is no single angle that automatically makes or rules out a system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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03<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shading<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Trees, neighbouring buildings, chimneys, dormers and equipment can reduce generation and affect panel layout.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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04<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roof condition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Check the covering, fixings, structure and likely future repairs before installing equipment intended to remain in place for many years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A professional survey should consider existing and future shade, annual-generation estimates, usable roof area, access and the impact of panel positioning.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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01 \/ ELECTRICAL CHECKS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assess the existing installation as well as the roof.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Your installer should review the consumer unit, earthing arrangements, existing wiring and the available capacity for generation equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pre-installation survey should cover<\/h3>\n\n\n\n