Installing solar energy is no more complicated than any other home improvement project  so don’t be daunted!  We help you here with an 8 step guide from initial planning to how to keep your new technology running.

Steps

1. Do your research!
2. Decide between solar electric or solar thermal
3. Check your house is suitable
4. Are you connected?
5. Size is important!
6. Find a supplier
7. Technical and legal aspects
8. Commissioning, inspection and monitoring

Step 1 Do your research

• As with any project know what you are dealing with. There is a large amount of information on the web. Use detailed and informative sites such as the energy saving trust see http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Solar-electricity
  
  
• Read about how solar thermal and solar photovoltaic work and decide which is best for your home. Browse the internet or see our recommended books and magazines on this topic.  You can also run with both. Get opinions from a range of certified installers
  
  
• Talk to people you know who have installed renewable technologies (we also provide some case studies)
  
  
• Make your home energy efficient by installing insulation, double glazing and draught-proofing and energy efficient appliances - this will ensure you get the most out of your renewable technology. See www.energysavingtrust.org for more tips on energy saving in the home.
  
  
• How much electricity do you need? Estimate this from your current usage – check  electricity bills. Its best to use an average for the whole year. Keep a note of this.
  
  
  

Step 2 Decide between Solar thermal (heating) or Photovoltaic (electricity) or both!

• Solar energy can be used in two ways; to provide electricity (solar electric) or hot water (solar thermal)
  
  
• Solar electric – referred to as Photovoltaic or PV, uses energy from the sun to create electricity to help run all electrical appliances and lighting. Excess energy can be sold back to the main grid.
  
  
• Solar thermal uses heat from the sun to work alongside your conventional water heater and can provide you with about a third of your domestic hot water each year. Excess heat is not sold.
  
  
• Both systems can be fixed to the roof or any un shaded area. If both are used together they should be installed in separate areas.

Step 3 Ensure your home is suitable

To tell if solar electricity is right for you, there are a few key questions to consider:

• Where in the world are you? Solar panels should be orientated to receive maximum daily and seasonal sunlight. In the Northern hemisphere solar panels should face due south. In the southern hemisphere - due north.However variances of up to 45 degrees (South East or South West) will not affect performance.  Unsure whether your roof is south facing? The sun rises in the east, if you stand facing it, south will be on your right, north on your left. (reverse for S Hemisphere)
  
  
• Do you have a sunny place to put it? You'll need a roof or wall that faces within 90 degrees of south (N hemisphere), and isn't overshadowed by trees or buildings. If the roof  is in shadow for parts of the day, your system will generate less energy  Follow the orbit of the sun by watching your roof over a one day period and making note of any times it is shaded and what by.
  
  
• What is the tilt or pitch of your roof? The optimal angle is a roof pitch of 30 degrees (equal to your latitude?), however pitches between 25 and 60 degrees can also be used with minimal reduction in power.  Flat roofs are also fine as elevation methods can be used to create the desired pitch. 

• Be a nosy neighbour!  Bear in mind a solar system lasts about 20 years.  Check with your neighbours and town planners to ensure your roof will not be later obscured for example by a neihbours attic extension.  In some countries you may require prior approval to cut down any large trees shading your roof.
  
  
• Is your roof strong enough? Solar panels are not light and the roof must be strong enough to take their weight, especially if the panel is placed on top of existing tiles. If in doubt, ask a construction expert or an installer. Solar modules can be installed on almost all roof types.The main exceptions include: thatched, circular, very small roofs, roofs containing asbestos and old roofs consisting of artificial slate or corrugated sheetse.  A structural engineer will be able to confirm if your roof is suitable.
  
  
• What is the weather like in your region? The sunnier the better, but don’t dismay solar panels perform very well in cloudy conditions too!
  
  
• Do you need planning permission? In England, Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland, you don't need planning permission for most home solar electricity systems, as long as they're below a certain size - but you should check with your local planning officer, especially if your home is a listed building, or is in a conservation area or World Heritage Site.
  
  
  

Step 4 Are you connected ?

• If your house is already connected to the national grid then it you will you can sell your surplus electricity back to the grid. A monitor will be installed to record this and your ernegy provider should send monthly or annual statements.
  
  
• If you have an isolated country cottage or mountain chalet you may want to install a standalone system also known as island solutions. This is not connected to the grid however excess electricity can be stored in batteries for your later use. You can also have this system separately installed say in the garden or your caravan in addition to the grid for the main house.
  
  
  

Step 5 Size is important!

• Here you need to calculate the size of your roof and the PV system you require (2kWp, 4kWp etc). You should already have a note of how much electricity you use now and any expansion required.  A 2kWp is a typical size for an average house in the UK.
  
  
• Most installers will do this for you but you can use tools such as Google Earth (ruler) to gauge the size of your roof. As a rule of thumb 10sqm roof are is required for each kilowatt capacity. So a 4 kW install requires 40sqm of roof.
  
  
• the larger the installation the higher the cost but likewise the greater the potential savings
  
  
• The Energy savings trust has a cashback calculator where you can estimate your requirements. Note this is based on UK tariffs. http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Cashback-Calculator

Step 6 Compare quotes / Find a supplier

• Always make sure you compare several quotes. Browse our Top50 solar directory or we can provide a no-obligation  FREE quote service. Have your questions written down, and ask for case studies in your area. Arrange for 2 or 3 potential installers to visit your home and tell you what they can offer and how much it will cost.
  
  
• Pay attention to quality and origin of components and the guarantees and services included. Sometimes a more expensive option will achieve higher energy yields in the long term. Do the sums
  
  
• Find secondary contractors for bore holes, scaffolding etc to get your project off the ground.
  
  
• IMPORTANT! Check that suppliers are certified - either with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (for all UK microgeneration products and installers) or the Solar Keymark (Solar thermal products and installers across Europe).
  
  
• Research funding and financing for the options that interest you - search for grants and offers
  
  
• Remember to always use a qualified professional to connect electric components.
  
  

Step 7 Pay attention to detail

Before hiring check all of the following with your installer:

• Network capacity: installers are obliged to connect your system to the mains grid without the need for any network expansion for supply up to 30kWp. More than this and you may need expansion.
  
  
• Get confirmation in writing that the roof can contain the additional weight of the solar system. Include wind and snow bearing estimates if necessary.
  
  
• Apply for planning permission if you need it.  See http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Getting-planning-permission on the Energy Savings Trust site (UK)
  
  
• Get explicit written confirmation of the components (modules, inverters, rack, system, monitoring etc) and quantity to be used. Keep copies of documentation.
  
  
• Confirm payment terms
  
  
• See proof of warranty and seek additional insurance if required
  
  
• Agree time-scale of installation and any penalties if the project over runs
  
  
• Get a written contract from the installer and keep a copy. Check the small print!
  
  
• Check with your home insurance provider to make sure your policy covers the changes to your home, and make any adjustments you need or if you need all risks cover look at taking out additional insurance.
  
  
• Agree on annual inspections for ongoing maintenance

Step 8 Commissioning, inspection and monitoring

• Learn how to use your new system - ask your installer to arrange a training or advice session.
  
  
• Testing should take place up to 8 weeks after installation. Agree that all services have been delivered with your installer.
  
  
• Energy providers should produce monthly or annual statements to confirm savings made
  
  
• Ensure you receive the government incentives.
  
  
• Continuous monitoring of PV units is important to quickly identify any faulty components such as the inverter. Keep records of energy produced.

Thinking of installing a solar system?

Get a FREE quote from a licenced contractor in your local area.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Register your company for FREE on Top50-Solar

and start enjoying the benefits now...