Ayrshire in Scotland is known for many things like the Culzean Castle, Isle of Arran, Eglinton Country Park, and Robert Burns Birthplace. However, now, the agriculturally inclined city is also known for its renewable energy prioritisation. With more and more homeowners making the switch to clean, renewable energy, solar panels in Ayrshire have become a must-have for homes.

Now, the big question is: As the shift towards solar energy surges, is your home ready for solar panels? Fret not! Before you jump into the installation process, here are some factors you need to consider to ensure your home is ready for the big switch.

1. Roof Suitability

The first and the most substantial factor for finding whether your home is ready for solar panels or not is the condition and structure of your roof. So, solar panels need a solid, flat and clean surface to be installed efficiently. So, here’s what you should check:

  • Roof Age and Condition: If your roof is more than 10-15 years old and it is showing signs of damage, there is a chance that it might need repairs or replacement before installing the solar panels. As panels last for around 25-30 years, professionals suggest it’s better to get your roof checked so it stays in good condition throughout the installation span.
  • Roof Orientation: Ideally, solar panels have to be installed on a south-facing roof because this orientation improves exposure to sunlight. However, east and west-facing roofs can also work, although they might generate relatively less energy.
  • Shade and Obstructions: Before installation, professionals also check for shading from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings. Always remember, shade can reduce the efficiency of solar panels, so consider trimming trees, removing obstacles, or even integrating a solar panel battery system to store the surplus energy for peak hours or when there’s less sunlight.

2. Energy Consumption and Assessment

Before you invest in solar panels, try assessing your energy needs. A solar panel system should match your household’s electricity consumption to amplify energy efficiency and savings. So, try to conduct an energy audit that can help you understand your home’s energy consumption patterns, illuminate areas where you can reduce usage, and determine the size of the solar panel system you might need.

3. System Size and Costs

The next thing you need to consider is the size of the solar panel system. It depends on different factors, including the amount of energy your home needs, roof space and budget, so talk to your solar PV specialist about the size and costs along with the permits and regulation aspect before you get started to avoid any surprises.

Conclusion

If all of this seems overwhelming to you, you can reach out to the renewable energy specialists at Ember Energy. They can offer you free consultation and help you decide if solar is a great fit for your home or not. Need more information or a custom quote for solar PV with battery storage in the UK? Contact us at Ember Energy today!