Can solar panels on the house roof work well in the north of England and if so, any idea of costs?

Question

I'm thinking of enough power for a 1 or 2 bed terrace, type house in Cumbria.

Answer 1

Good question,I await your answers too!

Answer 2

there are 2 types of solar pannels:

1) photovoltaic - produce electric, currently expensive & not very efficient, might run a fridge & some lights.

2) Solar heating - heat hot water. These can be cheap DIY or more expensive vacuum tubes, these can pay back in a few years. Some areas also have solar clubs to help you spec and fit these.

Recommend a visit to Centre for Alternative Technology http://www.cat.org.uk to give a comprehensive information on such issues http://www.cat.org.uk/information/catinf...

Answer 3

In my opinion you would be better at looking to solar to provide your hot water only. Then look at other ways to heat your home. Ensure that you insulate well before you do anything otherwise you are throwing your money away.

http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/

The cost is all in the installation. Installation is easy if you are good at DIY.

You can get grants check your suppliers are on the ClearSkies register.

http://www.navitron.org.uk/

http://www.thecei.org.uk/solarHeating/de...

http://www.heatmyhome.co.uk/

Cost totally depends on what you chose and whether or not your install it yourself. Using solar for hot water only is the most cost efficient way in my opinion.

EDIT: To install solar yourself you need to apply for building regulations from your council ring the Building Control department you can often do it by phone now and pay by Debit card. You pay a small fee, they come down visit the site, check the system is ok then sign it off when it has been completed. Easy as that.

Answer 4

Was thinking of investing in solar panels and a wind generator. I found out that the cost out weighs the savings made. Best to wait till the price drops in my opinion.......

Answer 5

The efficiency will be low for most of the year. Payback period may be longer that the equipment's lifetime.

Answer 6

B and Q now do a range of home generation products so there's probably the best place to start.You'll need to check with your local council because some require planning permission.Work out you costings too because with some systems you'll never recoup the cost.I worked out it would take 12yrs for me to get the savings to cover the cost.