WELCOME TO OUR Fitting solar photovoltaic panels to your roof PROJECT
This project is presented by Solar Direct Savings
Summary: How to fit solar photovoltaic panels to your roof to generate electricity and save money
There are two types (broadly speaking) of solar panel. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems which generate electricity when exposed to sunlight and Solar Thermal systems which heat water using the suns energy. We will focus on solar PV systems on this page. This is not a job we would recommend for DIY.
Please check with your local authority to see if you need planning permission to fit solar panels. You may need Building Regulation approval if you need to alter the roof structure in any way. The cheapest form of solar panels are those which are fitted to the surface of the roof rather than built into it.
Although expensive to fit, a solar photovoltaic system fitted to your roof can soon start introducing an additional income for you. Many electricity suppliers will buy your surplus electricity but there are a few rules you need to follow. These rules are dealt with on a separate DIY Doctor page.
Solar PV panels do not need the actual heat from the sun to work, just daylight, although they do work more efficiently if the sun is shining. Most photovoltaic 
units are guaranteed for at least 20 years and, once fitted, the maintenance is minimal.
Each Photovoltaic cell in the PV panel has two layers of a silicon material which generates an electric field across the layers when light shines on them. The electricity generated is Direct Current and you will need an inverter to transform the electricity into Alternating Current to use in the home. You will also need a battery system to store the electricity. The best estimate for a Solar Photovoltaic system which can pay for itself in 10 - 15 years is one which will generate up to 40% of your domestic electricity.
Solar photovoltaic systems also come in the form of roof tiles or slates as well as glass panels. The system you fit will need to be on a southwest or southeast facing surface and will give best results at a roof pitch of between 30 and 45 degrees. Obviously trees and other shaded areas need to be removed or avoided.
Working out the size of the photovoltaic system you need obviously depends on the size of your house, the number of people in it and the energy you consume. Grants are available for having solar panels fitted but these grants only apply when the system is fitted by an accredited installer. DIY solar panel installation does not comply with grant aided schemes. The cost of fitting a Solar PV system yourself is greater than getting a registered installer and obtaining the grant. It is important to remember there are also additional extras to pay for like scaffolding.
Solar panels are heavy. If you do intend to DIY you will need excellent building skills and be competent to work with electrical systems. You will also need to get an engineer to check that your existing roof can bear the weight of the panels without additional timbers.
Generating your own electricity with the use of photovoltaic panels will not help you heat your home but it can supply the lights and power to appliances.
Go to our video section on Green Living to watch a couple of films on the benefits of using solar energy and an introduction to Solar Photovoltaics.
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