Last Updated on 21/08/2023 by owen_2023
Do I need planning permission for Solar Panels in Northern Ireland?
- Suitability for your home and a survey.
If you are looking to move to PV Solar Energy in NI we highly recommend you contact us for a survey. This will determine whether your home is suitable, and how many PV Solar Panels you will need. Our team have installed over 2,500 Solar Systems across Ireland since 2013.
- How PV Solar Panels work
PV systems use energy from the sun to create electricity. The panels require only daylight, rather than direct sunlight, to generate electricity and our climate here in Northern Ireland is well suited for Solar. When light shines on a solar panel, it creates an electric field across layers of silicon in the cell, causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity is. Power can be used straight away or linked back into the power grid.
- Installing PV Solar panels
You can use Solarstream PV Solar Systems for a building with a roof or wall that faces within 90 degrees of south, as long as no other buildings or large trees overshadow it. If the roof surface is in shadow for parts of the day, less electricity will be produced.
PV panels are not light, and the roof must be strong enough to take their weight, especially if the panels are placed on top of existing tiles.
Installation costs
Most domestic systems are between 1.5 and 3 kilowatts (kW) and can produce around half a domestic property’s electricity requirements.
- Planning permission
You may have to get planning permission to fit a PV system, especially in conservation areas or on listed buildings. Always check with your divisional planning office about planning issues before you have a system installed. Obtaining planning permission after the system is in place can be difficult and expensive.
- Maintenance
Systems that connect to the grid need little maintenance. You just need to make sure that the panels are kept clean and that shade from trees isn’t a problem. The wiring and components of the system should be checked regularly by a qualified technician. Stand-alone systems (not connected to the grid) need maintenance on other parts of the system, like batteries but we can go over all of that by just getting in touch today on our contact page.
It’s recommended to hire a professional solar installers such as ourselves who can guide and help you on the process and choose the right system for your property and arrange professional installation from our team. If you are interested in Residential Solar Systems or Business Solar Systems then please contact our friendly customer service team via matt@solarstreamNI.co.uk to request a call back from our Derry office.
