Solar PV Installations

In order to benefit from the maximum amount of sunlight available, arrays need to be positioned in a southerly aspect (south west through to south east). For a roof sited array a mounting system is attached to the existing roof on top of the roof tiles. This is referred to as a roof mounted system.

The orientation of your PV system (the compass direction that your system faces) affects its performance. In the United Kingdom, the sun is always in the southern half of the sky but is higher in the summer and lower in the winter. Usually, the best location for a PV system is a south-facing roof, but roofs that face east or west may also be acceptable.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs work well for solar electric systems, because PV solar panels can be bolted onto frames tilted towards the south at an optimal angle.

Existing Pitched Roofs

For an existing pitched type roof a mounting system is attached to the roof on top of the roof tiles, this is the generally used when fitting a retrofit system to an existing dwelling. The panels will typically protrude above the roof no more than 14 - 18cm which is within planning guidelines of 20cm.

New Dwellings

Generally solar PV panels can flush with the new roof system being installed, this is known as an in roof system. The PV panels will replace the need roof tiles to fitted directly under the PV array.

Typical PV Solar Array Area Coverage

Table listing typical PV solar array area coverage required for installation.

Rating (kW)	Panels (1600mm x 800mm)	Area (m2)
0.50	3	3.76
1.05	4	7.52
1.22	7	8.78
1.40	8	10.03
1.75	10	12.54
2.10	12	15.04
2.50	14	17.54
2.70	15	18.79
2.80	16	20.06
3.20	18	22.56
3.50	20	25.07
3.70	21	26.32