Shalford Solar Power Specialist

The amount of electricity that solar PV panels will generate for a typical four-bed family home in the UK will depend on several factors, including the size of the solar panel system, the location of the property, and the angle and orientation of the solar panels.

A typical 4-bed family home in the UK would require about 6-10 kW of solar PV panels to generate enough electricity to meet its needs. This would typically consist of 18-25 solar panels, each with a capacity of 250 watts. On an annual basis, a solar PV system of this size would generate on average 3,500-4,000 kWh per year.

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If your heating is powered by electricity or you have an air or ground source pump, we can advise you on the right solution to reduce your heating costs. However, if you have a gas or oil-powered heating you will still need to pay for your supply separately.

Batteries are not necessary to have solar power, but they make a solar system far more effective, from powering your home during the evening to storing excess energy during the day. The cost of batteries has reduced dramatically in recent times and the technology improved so are a obvious addition.

Most solar panels are connected to the grid in a process called ‘net metering’. Net metering allows the excess energy generated by the solar panels to be sent back to the grid and credited to the homeowner. This means that when the solar panels are not generating enough energy to meet the home’s needs (for instance, during the winter or in the evening), the homeowner can draw on the grid to make up the difference.

Solar panels are typically attached to the roof using a mounting system. The type of mounting system used will depend on the type of roof and the design of the solar panel system. The most common type of mounting system for solar panels is a roof-mounted system, which attaches the solar panels to the roof using brackets (typically made of aluminium or steel) which are designed to be strong and durable. At Over to Solar we can offer a range of different mounting systems.

During some parts of the year they will produce excess power and you will be credited by the grid, however during the darker months there will be a draw on the grid. Typically your electric bills will drop enough for the system to pay for itself in less than 6 years.

Solar power is less effective in the winter when there is less sunlight due to the shorter days and the lower angle of the sun. The sunlight that reaches the solar panels is reduced, resulting in lower energy production. This means solar panels will produce less electricity in the winter than in the summer. However, it’s important to note that even on a cloudy day, solar panels will still produce some electricity. And the efficiency of the solar panel also plays a role; some panels have higher efficiency in low-light conditions.

It typically takes two days to install a new solar system. However, some installations can be completed in one day. Commercial building installation can take longer, depending on the site’s size and your business’s specific requirements. It’s important to note that the installation of solar panels must be done by a professional and must comply with the relevant building, electrical and safety regulations.

The installation of solar panels and equipment on residential buildings and land may be ‘permitted development’ with no need to apply to the Local Planning Authority for planning permission. However, if you live in a listed building, your home is in a conservation area or an area of outstanding natural beauty, the panels protrude more than 200mm from the roof or you are having a ground mounted array you may need to apply for planning permission. If you need clarification on permitted developments or planning permission in your area, please visit the Government’s planning portal. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority