The solar panel suitability checker below was designed to be a general guide and educational tool based on my recent experience of having our first solar PV system installed in 2022.
There are a lot of factors to consider and no tool can give you an exact prediction of the actual financial return you’ll receive.
It’s a large investment, so always do your own research and get quotes from MCS certified solar installers who can give personalised projections of energy bill savings and financial returns using independent quotation systems such as Open Solar.
I would also recommend choosing installers who are members of the EPVS accreditation scheme which ensures consumers are provided with accurate performance estimates and savings projections.
Suitability Checker Questions
We had our first ever solar energy system installed in 2022, so I’ve based a lot of the questions in the checker on what I learned from my research and comparing original projections with real life data.
The checker currently asks ten questions to assess how suitable your roof and home could be for solar panels.
1. How likely are you to move house in the next 5–10 years?
According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average payback time for solar pv panels is 14 years, so moving before then could leave you out of pocket. Personally, I think that’s a conservative figure and could be nearer to 10 years with a south facing property, battery and a competitive Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff.
2. Where in the UK do you live?
This is important because properties in the south of the UK receive more light than the north.
3. How many people live in your property?
Solar power has the biggest impact for properties with higher consumption.
4. Is your home occupied during the day?
If you’re home in the day, you’re more likely to consume the energy produced by solar panels rather than it be sold back to the National Grid for a lower return.
For example, the typical unit rate cost for electricity is around 36 pence per kilowatt-hour, whereas the best export tariff rate is around 15 pence per kilowatt-hour.
5. Is your home listed or in a conservation area?
Homes that are listed buildings or in a conversation area are typically the only properties that require planning permission for solar panel installations.
I would still highly recommend confirming that with your local planning department before proceeding with an installation, though. This is part of the response I received from my local authority after submitting a planning enquiry before our solar panel system was installed in 2022:
“Based on the information you have provided, it is my opinion that planning permission would not be required for the proposed solar panels, as this is considered to be within the limitations of the permitted development regulations.”
6. Is your roof structure and surface in good condition?
A medium solar panel system can weigh 200 kg or more, so could make any existing defects worse. There’s also the risk of panel mount fixings being unsafe during high winds on a weakened roof space.
7. What is the pitch angle of your roof?
The best roof pitch or slope angle for solar panels is commonly recommended to be 30-40 degrees for several reasons:
- Optimal sunlight exposure: This angle allows solar panels to receive maximum sunlight throughout the year, ensuring efficient energy capture. It is especially beneficial during the winter months, when the sun is positioned lower in the sky.
- Self-cleaning capability: With a steeper slope, rainwater can effectively wash away dirt and debris from the solar panels. This helps to keep them clean and maintain their energy production at peak levels.
- Snow shedding ability: In regions experiencing snowfall, a steeper roof angle allows snow to easily slide off the panels, preventing accumulation that could potentially hinder their performance.
The pitch or slope of the average UK home is approx 30 degrees. If you’re not sure, it’s easy to work out if you have access to your loft. Or you can use a free phone app.
8. Which direction does your roof face?
This is important to know because roofs that face south receive the most sunlight throughout the day, so are able to generate the most electricity from a solar pv system.
Properties with roofs that face east or west can still be suitable, but will generate less electricity. A north facing roof will receive the least light as they face away from the sun for a large portion of the day.
If unsure, activate the compass on your mobile phone and line it up with your house front to back.
9. Is any part of your roof in shade during the day from trees or buildings?
Objects such as trees or buildings within 10 metres of your property can cast shade onto your roof and impact the level of output from solar panels.
10. Do you have at least 1 square metre of wall space in your loft, garage or utility room?
A solar panel system will require installation of an inverter, a meter, switches, and battery if you choose that option. These items are usually installed in close proximity to each other and will need space around them for ventilation.
