We all want to be kind to the planet and we all want to save a few pennies as well. Fuel costs and interest rates are on the rise, meaning lot of us have more to pay but less money to pay it with. Solar panels are an attractive option; they're environmentally friendly, they can save you money and there are even grants available for their installation. So while we'd all love to deck our house out in these lovely plates of waste and cost repellent armour, there are a few things to consider first. Sadly, not all houses are suitable for Solar panel installation.



If your house is situated in a conservation area or World Heritage Site, making any alterations to it can be a nightmare. Solar panel installationgenerally comes under the category of "permitted development", meaning that although you won't have to apply for planning permission, you will have to adhere to a few extra requirements;



1) The solar panels shouldn't spoil the look of the house or area too much.



2) They shouldn't affect the amenity of the area too drastically, i.e. the solar panel installation shouldn't spoil the things that make the conservation area so attractive in the first place.



3) If your solar panels are no longer in use, they should be removed as soon as possible. So, for example, if you sell the property and the new owner does not intend to continue using the solar panels, they should be removed.



4) They cannot be installed above the ridgeline of your roof. Neither should they project more than 200mm from the roof.



5) Although solar panel installation does not require planning permission, if your house is listed the standard listed building consent is still necessary (just as if you were installing a satellite dish, for example).



Non-listed houses and those outside of conservation areas do still have some regulations placed on them as regards solar panel installation.



Obviously, the roof of your house has to be physically able to carry the panels. If your roof is in a poor state of repair, then it may not be strong enough to carry the weight, or may not offer a sufficiently secure anchor for the panels. In these cases, even were solar panel installers to fit them, there is a chance the panels may break the roof or even fall off. The strength of your roof will need to be checked and proven before you have solar panels installed. Strengthening or repair work may be necessary.



Roofs will a northern aspect with a northern aspect are not suitable for the installation of solar panels because they do not get enough light. Neither are those which are completely in the shade.



There are, in addition, all the standard regulations regarding major electrical work. It's advisable to get qualified solar panel installers in to check your house meets all of the essential requirements.



So, as long as your house meets all of these points then solar panel installers should be able to help you. The secret to green energy and lower fuel bills might be right above your head.