When Should You Do It

Solar power or photovoltaic (PV) panels have traditionally been quite expensive. but, since the Chinese (hooray for China) went into mass production, their price has dropped to a staggering degree and  solar power is now a green solution that everyone can consider.

However there are instances where solar panels do not currently make economic or environmental sense. You really should talk to professional solar panel installers before making a decision, but broadly, here are the basic concerns that will help you decide when to install solar panels.

Firstly if you roof does not have a south facing pitch you should not install panels.

Secondly there are issues in ‘conservation zones’ so check before installing solar panels that you will not be breaking local zoning regulations.

Thirdly if the building is owned by someone else (i.e. you are the leasholder, not the freeholder) you should check with the freeholder before embarking on such a scheme.

Lastly and most importantly check if there are any grants for solar panels available to you. If there are you will probably need to follow some quite specific rules about how you install the panels, so read up. It could be the coolest and greenest thing you ever do.