Guide to Installing Solar Panels on Loft Conversions
In this detailed guide, discover the cost feasibility and structural viability of installing solar panels on loft conversions and whether installing solar panels on loft roofs is worth the investment or not?
On the question of value for money, installing solar panels on loft conversion is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment. Not only they offer the advantage of reduced energy bills and reduced carbon footprint, installing solar panels on loft conversion can also slingshot your property value to a great extent.
The discussion on installing solar panels on loft conversion is not just about what it has to offer as long-term benefits, but also about several other technical and non-technical considerations. For example, can the installation be done on any roof? What about the high initial cost? Will there be high reliance on grid? Once installed, are solar panels on loft conversion easy to maintain?
As you can see, there are many facets to explore when considering solar panel installations on loft conversions. Let’s take a look at a few to gain a comprehensive understanding.
1. Suitability Based on the Type of Loft Conversion
If you have an existing loft space, then taking into consideration the type of loft conversion will be an important factor to assess the viability of the installation. This is because, not all loft conversions can conveniently accommodate solar panels.
In general, installing solar panels on a flat roof with a large surface area is considered ideal. While in some cases, installations may not be suitable for certain roofs because the roof shape may not be structurally accommodative, whereas some loft conversion types may not be conducive enough to generate the required solar energy. To understand better, let’s get an assessment by considering the loft conversion types –
Dormer Loft: The viability of installing solar panels on dormer loft conversion primarily depends on the type of the roof as dormer lofts have both flat and sloped roofs. Installing solar panels on a flat roof dormer is ideal as flat roofs are characterised by having a large surface area and can accommodate multiple units quite easily offering the best results both in terms of structural installation and sufficient heat generation.
Sloped roof dormers on the other hand though may not be an ideal surface as compared to flat roofs, can still be a good fit for solar panels. Sloping dormers especially those with south-facing roofs with the required tilt angle between 18-40 degrees offer great results in terms of heat generation. If the slope is too steep, it may be quite a challenge and risky to achieve a successful installation, especially when the pitch angle is more than 40 degrees.
Dormers with pitched roofs can be suitable but not without their own challenges. The panels need to be clamped on rails if the roof is steep and specialised equipment may also be required to ensure a successful installation.
Velux Loft: Velux lofts are characterised by Velux windows and sloped roofs. Velux windows consume a good amount of space on roofs and therefore there needs to be sufficient gaps between the panels and windows. Factors such as the roof pitch, shading, and location of panel placement should all be considered.
Hip-to-gable Loft: Because a hip-to-gable loft involves altering the existing roof structure, there is a dire need to focus on the overall structural integrity to ensure that the new gable end can bear the load of solar panels. The newly built gable end’s orientation and angle may also differ which are crucial factors when installing solar panels especially when it comes to exposure to sunlight.
Mansard Loft: The flat roof at the top can be an ideal surface to place solar panels on mansard lofts. However, because the adjacent roof is too steep (about 72 degrees) it may not be suitable to install solar panels. Considerations to strategically place panels to achieve maximum solar generation is important.
2. Aesthetic Impact
Solar panels can be highly prominent when it comes to visibility. They may not be ideal for heritage homes or properties with rich history when it comes to blending with the property’s character and the overall visual impact. However, the point of installing solar panels is more functional than visual, so, don’t worry.
Modern solar panels have had their fair evolution of changes. They are sleek and can seamlessly integrate with any design and built of your loft conversion. They are characterised by wired panels, non-wired panels, black framed, silver framed, to name a few. There is also a new wave of coloured solar panels for those who are specific about aesthetic appeal. Coloured solar panels can also blend with the roof and building colour of the house.
3. Initial Cost
The initial cost of installing a solar panel is usually high. The cost primarily depends on the surface area upon which the panels are installed, number of panels, complexity of roof structure, and the quality of the components used. The cost incurred to install a solar panel on a loft conversion, ranges between £5000 to £8000 for a 3Kw or 4Kw system.
Though the initial cost can be high, solar panels can benefit homeowners with long term cost savings and reduced carbon footprint.
4. Structural Integrity and Space
Although most loft roofs can withstand the weight of solar panels, consulting a structural engineer and careful planning will be necessary to ensure safe installation. Equal distribution of weight will be necessary, and professional installers are usually skilled in achieving that.
Placement of the panels is also a crucial factor as lofts with windows can consume commendable space. In the UK, solar panels are typically sized at 1.6m*1m for residential applications. So, if you are looking 16 to 20 sq metres of roof space to gain maximum solar energy generation.
5. Orientation & Functionality
The primary function of solar panels on loft conversion is to achieve maximum solar energy. If you have energy driven appliances or systems such as water heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators, lightbulbs can all be integrated to leverage solar power. To achieve maximum solar energy, roofs that are south facing are considered ideal. The angle of the panels too plays critical role and are to be delicately considered during installation.
6. Shading
Though this can be an easily ignored factor, but if there are trees neighbouring your loft roof, then shades from the trees can impact the efficiency of your solar panels and result in reduced heat generation.
Can You Install Solar Panels on a Loft Conversion?
Considering the factors discussed above, one can successfully install solar panels on loft conversion. Not only solar panels on loft conversion are viable options that help increase your home’s energy efficiency, but they also significantly reduce your energy bills in the long run.
Installing solar panels on loft conversion is usually permitted development. Below are few key points –
- The solar panels must not exceed more than 200mm from the roof plane.
- If the property is a listed building or is in a conservation area, planning permission will be required.
- Solar panels are permitted development on flat roofs.
- If the solar panels would alter the appearance or structure of the loft roof, then planning permission may be required.
Installing solar panels on loft conversion is strictly a professional’s job and is far from a DIY. Below are the steps involved –
1. Assessing the Roof
The most important step which should also be done first is to assess the structural integrity of the loft roof to check if it can bear the weight of the panel installation. Apart from structural considerations, orientation of the roof, pitch of the roof are also assessed to ensure maximum solar energy exposure.
2. Scaffolding
Once the roof is assessed and is good to go for installation, the next step is to add scaffolding to the side of the building so that installers can safely access the loft roof for panel installation.
3. Mounting
The next step is to attach the panels to the roof, which is done by specialised equipment (usually mounting brackets). These brackets are designed for specific roof types (pitched, sloped or flat) and are mounted such that maximum sunlight is captured.
4. Installing the Panels
Once the panels are mounted, wiring is carried out by attaching wires from the panels to an inverter.
5. Inverter
The panels are connected to the inverter by means of wiring. This results in converting the DC electricity from the panels into AC required for domestic use.
6. Post Installation
After the installation process is complete, the system is tested for safety and efficient working and is then connected the property’s power supply.
Benefits of Adding Solar Panels to Your Loft Space
1. Savings on Energy and Bills
Solar panels significantly contribute to your annual energy savings and largely reduce your energy bills by up to 60%. That means on an average you can save about £300 to £600 annually on your energy bills.
2. Government Aids
Installing solar panels will also mean that you can be eligible for incentives and rebates from the government or your local authorities. This can aid you with some relief when it comes to the initial investment of installing a solar panel.
3. Increased Property Value
Properties with solar panel installations are usually considered attractive as they contribute to the overall energy-efficiency and sustainability leading to higher value during sale.
4. Ideal Space for Integration
Lofts can be ideal spaces for solar panel installations as they offer greater flexibility and large space area allowing for ample space for wiring, storing batteries. Loft roofs allow for optimised positioning and placement of solar panels and ensure maximum sunlight exposure on the panels.
5. Reduced Carbon Footprint
Solar panels generate renewable energy that aid in reduced carbon emissions from your home thus helping contribute towards a sustainable and greener environment.
Storing Solar Panel Batteries in the Loft: Is it Safe?
Technically you can store solar panel batteries in your loft space as they largely are underutilised spaces and thus help in reducing the need for wiring. But when it comes to the matter of safety and efficiency, there are some considerations that are worth pondering over –
- Ensure Adequate Ventilation: If the loft space is too narrow or small, then they can get heated up easily, especially when there is lack of ventilation. It is hence critical to ensure adequate ventilation inside the loft space when you are considering battery storage.
- Fire Safety: It is usual for a loft space to be insulated, and these are mostly done using flammable materials. It is hence advised to distance the panel batteries from the insulated space. Placing of fire alarms, smoke alarms, adequate lighting, and accessible entry & exit points is utmost necessary in such cases.
The BSI in March 2024 issued a guideline that outlines not to store solar batteries in loft spaces, roof spaces, and voids. It is more of a guideline and not a regulation. So, the new guide strongly recommends installing smoke alarms, fire alarms, ensuring adequate ventilation, adequate lighting, and accessible entry and exit points in loft spaces to avoid any kind of adverse situations.
Conclusion
Integrating solar panels on loft conversion stands for a progressive approach. As focus towards zero carbon emissions takes centre stage, there is an increased need for more of such sustainable approaches both as a push from the government and as initiatives from homeowners.
Whether you are building a loft or have an existing loft space, installing solar panels on loft conversion is a win-win prospect from a longevity perspective.
We at Extension Architecture have years of experience and are one of the very few loft conversion specialists across London. If you too are planning to incorporate energy-efficient means and are looking to install solar panels on your loft space, feel free to touch base with us for a consultation.
