Everything You Need to Know About New Builds, Renovations, and Installing Solar

Incorporating solar energy offers numerous benefits when planning a new build or renovation. Solar power can significantly reduce energy bills, lower your carbon footprint, and enhance property value. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Design for Solar:

When designing a new home or undertaking a renovation, consider incorporating solar panel installation into the project from the start. By factoring in solar energy, you can optimise roof orientation, pitch, and material choice for maximum efficiency. Ideally, roofs should face south (in the Northern Hemisphere) with minimal shading, but east- and west-facing roofs can also generate significant power. Incorporating these considerations early on allows for seamless integration and can avoid costly post-construction adjustments.

2. Retrofitting vs. Pre-installation:

For new builds, pre-wiring for solar, adding extra space for inverters, and ensuring structural support can minimise disruption and reduce costs. In renovations, retrofitting solar systems can be more challenging, so it’s essential to assess the existing roof’s structural integrity and wiring systems. Nonetheless, modern solar installations are versatile and can adapt to different structures with the right planning.

3. Planning Permission:

In the UK, most domestic solar installations fall under “permitted development” and do not require specific planning permissions. However, for listed buildings or homes in conservation areas, restrictions might apply. It’s critical to review local planning regulations before starting any solar project to avoid delays or fines.

4. Energy Efficiency:

Building or renovating with an energy-efficient mindset complements solar energy use. High-grade insulation, energy-efficient windows, and appliances reduce overall energy consumption, allowing your solar power system to be more effective. Adding solar to an energy-efficient home maximises cost savings and environmental benefits.

5. Cost and Incentives:

While installing solar panels requires an upfront investment, government incentives, tax rebates, and energy bill savings make it a smart long-term investment. For example, the UK offers programs like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), where homeowners can sell excess energy back to the grid. Solar systems often pay for themselves over time through energy savings and increased property value.