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Solar panels are popular with eco-friendly homeowners looking to generate sustainable energy.

This sustainable energy source is also popular because it:

• Can be installed on most flat surfaces, including countryside fields

• Generates electricity even on cloudy days, although more on sunny days

• Adds value to your property

• Is extremely safe to use with no risk of electrical fires and shocks

• Operates silently to keep your home quiet and peaceful

• Requires little maintenance

Want to learn more? Read our guide: ‘Are solar panels worth it?’

The amount of energy your solar panels produce will vary based on their type and size.

However, the average panel produces 0.25kW to 0.4kW per hour.

In addition, solar panels are installed in groups, generating an average of 3kW per hour. Over a year, a 3kW set of solar panels can produce 2,600kWh.

Chatting with a professional solar panel installer in Belfast can help determine how much energy your solar panels will produce.

To calculate the size and number of solar panels you need, consider:

• Roof size - You can only install a limited number of solar panels per m²

• Roof strength - Solar panels can be heavy when grouped together, so consider whether your roof can support them

• Power needs - Generally, solar panel systems can generate between 1kW and 4kW, so factor this in against your home's size and energy needs

Chatting with a professional solar panel installer in Belfast is a good way to determine the size of solar panels you’ll need. The professionals can calculate the size and strength of your roof against your energy needs to find the best size.

Find more solar panel advice here.

Solar panels are created using two main technologies: solar photovoltaic and solar thermal panels. Although both types of solar panels work differently, they offer similar results.

Let’s explore the key differences:

Solar photovoltaic panels

Solar PV panels are installed on your roof, and silicon-based technology collects sunlight and converts it into electricity.

Benefits include:

• Can last up to 30 years

• Won't freeze during cold weather

• Provides up to 60% of the energy you need

However, solar photovoltaic panels can be expensive and take up more space than solar thermal.

Solar thermal

Solar thermal energy is installed on a roof by installing solar collectors, which are panels or tubes that absorb heat from the sun. The collectors are mounted on the roof, and sunlight heats them, transferring heat to your cylinder.

Benefits include:

• More efficient than solar PV panels

• Takes up less space than traditional solar panels

• Works well for water heating

However, they don't work as well during the winter and tend to have a shorter lifespan.

If you’re unsure which solar panels are best for your home, chatting with a professional can help. They can explain the different options and help you decide.

Get more advice with our solar panel buying guide.

This depends on the type of solar panel you use.

Generally, solar panels last between 25 and 30 years. After this time, they'll continue to work at a lower efficiency than new ones.

South-facing roofs work best with solar panels as they give the panels the best opportunity to absorb sunlight. However, east and west-facing roofs can also work well.

North-facing roofs are the least effective, producing about 30% less power than south-facing roofs.

Typical solar panel installation costs are on average:

• £6,000

  • 12 panels/3kW PV system

• £8,000

  • 16 panels/4kW PV system

• £9,000

  • 20 panels/5kW PV system

• £10,000

  • 24 panels/6kW PV system

• £5,000 to £6,000

  • Solar thermal system (3.6m²)

Rates for solar panel installation in Belfast largely depend on:

• Number of panels - The more panels you need, the higher the price

• Type of panels - Different solar panels can be more or less expensive

• Property size - Larger homes with bigger energy needs may need more solar panels

• Solar battery - It will usually cost extra to add a solar battery to store excess power

Always ask for a detailed written quote that includes all materials, labour, and VAT before hiring. By shopping around, you can compare prices and services in your area, making hiring easier.

Check out our solar panel installation cost guide for more advice.

Yes, even in the UK, solar panels are worth it. They let you generate electricity, reduce reliance on traditional energy sources, and lower your energy bills.

Even though the UK doesn't have the same solar irradiation level as countries closer to the equator, solar panel technology has advanced in recent years.

These advancements mean solar panel technology is increasingly efficient, even in less sunny climates.

No, you won't usually need planning permission to install solar panels on residential properties.

However, you will usually need planning permission when:

• Installing solar panels on a listed building

• The panels are visible from the motorway, in a conservation area, or a World Heritage site

• The highest part of the equipment is higher than the highest part of the roof

• The solar panel equipment protrudes more than 0.2 meters beyond the wall or roof slope

• It's being installed on the grounds of a property and there's already stand-alone ground-mounted solar equipment, or it’s taller than 4 metres

Before installing solar panels, check with your local planning authority or council to confirm whether there are any specific regulations in your area.

Get more advice for building without planning permission here.

Want to know more about solar panel installation in Belfast?

Often, it can help to chat with a local solar panel installer to understand what services are available in your area and how much they’ll cost.

If you’re ready to contact local professionals, our quick and easy online search can help you find the best tradespeople in your area.

Short on time? Request a quote, and we’ll get several local solar panel installers in Belfast to contact you directly.