In today’s day and age, it is becoming more vital than ever for people to live more sustainably, whether this is by recycling more, using renewable energy sources or reducing their carbon footprint.
But one method of sustainable living that is quickly becoming a firm fixture for UK homeowners is solar panels. By installing solar panels on your roof, you will not only be doing your bit for the environment, but you will also save considerably on your monthly energy bill.
Solar panels can also add value to your home, which is something to consider if you decide to sell up in the future.
So, if you’re interested in the benefits of solar panels, read on for some tips on how you can DIY some solar panels on your home.
Design Your System
First things first, before you get out your ladder and start making alterations to your roof, you need to carefully construct a plan of your solar system.
Make sure that you consider things like the roof measurements so you can work out what size panel works best for your home.
Also, check that your roof is in good condition and doesn’t require any repairs; otherwise, this will only cost you further down the line, after your solar panels have already been fitted.
And – something that many homeowners might forget to check – make sure that your roof actually gets enough sunlight to generate energy from solar panels. If your roof is constantly in the shade, then you won’t get many benefits out of your panels.
Don’t Go Solo
Even if you think that you’re an expert in DIY, remember that installing solar panels isn’t the same as your typical home maintenance. You will be working with hi-tech equipment that is worth thousands of pounds, and you need to be able to install this equipment safely and securely.
You don’t have to hire professionals if you don’t want to, but make sure that you do have a team of friends on hand to help out, ideally ones who are experienced in DIY and can carefully handle expensive equipment.
Check If Your Need Planning Permission
Most of the time, homeowners will not require planning permission to install solar panels, but it is still important to check. For instance, if your home is a listed building or is located in a conservation area, then you will need planning permission.
Apart from this, solar panels will only be subject to regular building regulations, i.e., checking that your roof can support the weight of the solar panels.
Decide Which Solar Panels You Need
There are actually two types of solar panels: thermal and photovoltaic.
Thermal solar panels are used to heat up your water tank, so you don’t have to worry about running out of warm water. Of course, this will work better on sunny days, so in the darker winter months, you will want to use your boiler. Making them almost pointless in the winter much, which is why PV Solar is a much better choice all year round.
Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are used to generate electricity for your home. These only work during the day and are the most popular solar panels because of their energy-saving efficiency.
To find out more about installing solar panels, click here or contact Solar Panel Installation info today.
