UK Solar panels: What factors could affect the cost of solar panels, installation and batteries?
Solar panels are a great way to save money on your energy bills and to reduce your carbon footprint. However, there are a few things to consider before you make the switch to solar. The first is the cost of solar panels and installation. We have tried to make our pricing as simple as possible, and have example prices on our website. However, every home is different, and there are a few factors which can affect the cost of your Solar installation:-
Array Size
The more panels you have, the more it costs. It’s almost that simple. The National Grid, or your local network operator (known as the DNO), must be informed of any micro-generation that is installed. In short, if the system could potential export 3.68kW or under, they need to be notified after installation. In other words, you have automatic approval for a system that size. If you want to go for a larger system, the DNO must be informed beforehand. They will then carry out a network survey and determine what size of array would be the maximum that your local electrical network could safely support. In certain areas this may limit how large you can actually go, as the DNO may put a limit on the maximum size.
Please note, the export limit is per phase - so in commercial situations with a 3 phase supply, the total export figure without prior permission is 11kW.
Access
Scaffolding is mandatory for Solar jobs, as our installers need to safety access, and work on the roof of your property. This is something which can vary in cost depending on the complexity of the job. Difficult access, or a complex roof with hard to reach gutters do add to the cost. We always give an outline price on our visits, and have a number of local scaffolding firms that we work with closely who help us make sure the customer is aware of the scaffolding price. As a guide, scaffolding can vary from £400-500 for a single story, to £2500 if it’s multiple elevations on a tall building.
Existing Electrical Setup
Solar must tie into your existing electrical setup to work. This is quite simple in modern homes, but older properties may have outdated, or even unsafe electrical setups. A common issue is space - Consumer Units have a fixed amount of space, and occasionally these can be full, which requires us to put a sub board to install the RCD for your new Solar PV. Adding a sub-board with the extra work and wiring costs around £250 more. In the worst case scenario, it might be that your existing installation is dangerous, in which case a new fuse board is required. This can be anywhere from £500-£1000 depending on how many circuits are installed and where it is situated. However this an extreme case.
Planning Permission
Solar PV is classed as “Permitted Development”. This means that prior permission from your local planning office isn’t required, as long as the following statements are true:-
The new installation is roof mounted, and is not higher than the existing ridge line of the roof it is being installed on.
The property is not a listed building or in a conservation area*.
The property has not had it’s permitted development rights withdrawn.
The most common case for Solar PV Planning is ground mounted systems, as they will always require planning permission. We have local planning companies who can assist with the application, making the process quite easy on your part. The cost of this service varies, but including the planning application fee, works out around £700-900.
Councils are under pressure to try and be as environmentally conscious as possible, so it’s unusual to be refused for solar panel installation.
* Conservation areas are a bit of a grey area. While the council must be informed of prior works (a letter or email), strictly speaking they cannot refuse permission. They can advise on any issues they might have, but that is it.