Planning

Planning for residential solar PV (photovoltaic) and battery storage involves several steps to ensure that the system is designed, permitted, and installed correctly. Here's what the planning phase entails:

1. Assessing Your Needs and Goals

• Energy Needs Analysis:
• Review your electricity bills to determine your average and peak energy consumption.
• Consider future energy needs (e.g., electric vehicles, home expansions).
• Goals:
• Maximise energy self-sufficiency.
• Reduce energy bills.
• Sell surplus energy back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

2. Feasibility Study

• Site Assessment:
• Roof Suitability: Check roof size, orientation, tilt, and structural strength.
• South-facing roofs are ideal, but east or west-facing roofs can still generate energy.
• Shading Analysis: Identify shading from trees, buildings, or chimneys that may reduce solar output.
• Space for Battery Storage: Identify a suitable, weather-protected, and well-ventilated location for the battery system.
• Energy Potential:
• Use tools like solar calculators or consult an installer to estimate potential energy generation based on location.

3. Designing the System

• Sizing:
• Determine the appropriate size of the solar array (e.g., 3–6 kW) based on available space and energy goals.
• Size the battery storage to match your energy usage patterns (e.g., a 5–10 kWh battery for typical UK homes).
• System Components:
• Choose the type of solar panels (e.g., monocrystalline or polycrystalline).
• Select an inverter (string, hybrid, or microinverters).
• Decide on additional components like monitoring systems or EV chargers.

4. Cost Estimation

• System Costs:
• Include costs for panels, inverters, batteries, installation, and any necessary upgrades to your electrical system.
• Financial Incentives:
• Calculate potential earnings from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
• Consider VAT reductions on solar installations (currently 0% for residential in the UK).

5. Legal and Regulatory Considerations

• Planning Permissions:
• Permitted Development Rights: Most domestic solar PV installations in the UK do not require planning permission if:
• The panels are flush with the roof and do not exceed 200 mm in projection.
• The property is not a listed building or in a conservation area.
• Ground-mounted panels do not exceed 4 m in height or 9 sq m in area.
• Exceptions:
• Listed buildings or properties in conservation areas or World Heritage sites may require planning permission.
• Check local council regulations for specific requirements.
• Building Regulations:
• Ensure compliance with building regulations for structural integrity and electrical safety.
• Structural assessments may be needed to confirm the roof can support the panels.

6. Grid Connection Requirements

• DNO Notification:
• Inform your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) about your solar PV installation.
• For systems under 16 A per phase (typically up to 4 kW), notification is sufficient after installation.
• Larger systems may require prior approval.

7. Environmental and Aesthetic Considerations

• Aesthetic Impact:
• Evaluate the visual impact of solar panels, particularly for properties in conservation areas.
• Consider using all-black panels or integrated solar tiles for a more discreet appearance.
• Environmental Benefits:
• Calculate the reduction in your home's carbon footprint.

8. Selecting an Installer

• Certified Professionals:
• Use an installer accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
• Quotes and Proposals:
• Obtain detailed quotes from multiple installers to compare system design, costs, and warranties.

9. Creating a Project Timeline

• Outline a schedule that includes:
• Feasibility assessments.
• Securing permissions (if needed).
• Procurement of materials.
• Installation and testing.

By carefully planning your residential solar PV and battery storage system, you can ensure a smooth installation process and maximise energy efficiency, financial returns, and environmental benefits.