With statistics showing that solar PV installations have increased significantly in the past twelve months, Mick Robinson – Regional Sales Manager at Romag – takes a closer look at what solar panel installers need to consider before embarking on a project.

In the UK, solar power is becoming increasingly popular as it makes the transition from its past status as an investment leaning on Government subsidies into a mainstream choice for homes and businesses alike who are looking for cheaper, renewable energy.

According to October 2016 figures from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the UK’s solar PV capacity stood at 11,319MW – generated by 894,424 installations up and down the country. This represents a rise of 29% when compared with October 2015, a fact that show the UK is firmly embracing the potential of solar energy.

This demand is a great thing for solar panel installers, who are benefiting from an increased trade from home and business owners who want to take advantage of the technology’s many benefits.

However, with a larger and more diverse customer base, there is a greater need for installers to be able to adapt to their clients’ needs.

Aesthetics

Whether the client is a home or business owner, there is often slight concern about what effect solar panels will have on the overall aesthetic of their property. This unfortunate concern is an out-dated relic from an age where solar panels were quite large, mounted with raised bases on the top of roofs, and very noticeable.

If this is a worry raised by a customer when discussing the initial plans for the project, they can quickly be reassured by being shown the sleeker, less conspicuous models available on the market today.

For example, Romag produces both building-intergrated and roof-integrated PV systems that have provided the ideal solution for many clients who wanted to preserve the aesthetics of their building in the process of having them installed. They’ve had the best of both worlds — all of the benefits that solar PV can bring as well as having panels that blend seamlessly into the architecture of their property.

Building regulations

Before finalising the details of an installation, it’s important to be aware of any potential building regulations that might affect the project further down the line. Most residences and residential land fall under the ‘Permitted Development’ category as set out on the Government’s Planning Portal site, which means that they can be developed without needing to seek planning permission as long as the conditions and limits for installation (also set out on the Planning Portal) are met.

The rules get more complicated when it comes to installing panels or stand-alone equipment on or near protected buildings and land. Categories that fall under these regulations include listed buildings, sites designated as a scheduled monument, World Heritage Sites, and conservation areas. Planning permission is usually considered on a case-by-case basis, and, if it is granted, stipulations can be put in place to minimise the impact of the solar PV technology on things like the architecture or the environment.

Industry standards

Like building regulations, certain industry standards have to be met before any work can take place, and this is something that needs to be fully considered and taken into account before an installer can begin a project.

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a nationally recognised quality assurance scheme that upholds several standards that relate directly to solar panel installers — MIS 3002 — and the products they use — MCS 005 for solar panels and MCS 012 for pitched roof mounting kits.

It’s imperative that installers ensure that they are fully compliant with these standards because it will not only ensure that the work they complete and the products they use are up to scratch, but it will also inspire confidence in potential clients who know they are working with someone who is verified by the MCS.

Meeting the client’s energy needs

Taking some time to understand a client’s energy needs is an essential part of planning an installation project as it allows the installer to recommend a PV system that can supply them with the power they require.

For example, a small residential home will not need as much solar capacity as an office complex or a manufacturing facility, which will be reflected in the products that are recommended.

For businesses in particular, it will be necessary to take into account just how much electricity they use and suggest a system that will make a positive difference to their overall consumption. Factors to take into account when planning the project should include the size of the solar panel installation and where they should be placed, in order to achieve maximum efficiency for the client.

Longevity and maintenance

According to The Eco Experts (www.theecoexperts.co.uk), most new solar panels have a lifespan of around 40 years – a figure that has improved as technology has developed. With this in mind, it will probably be the case that many of the products that are installed will actually outlast the surfaces that they are attached to, which is something that needs to be taken into account when planning a project with the client.

For example, if, upon inspection, a roof is in poor condition and already in need of repairs, it would be easier if the property owner had them carried out before going ahead with the installation. Not only would this make the job easier for yourself, it will provide better value for the client because they will not have to remove or work around the solar panels when the inevitable repair takes place.

Installers should also recommend products and plan installations with maintenance and cleaning in mind, avoiding any situations that would make it difficult for this to take place in the future. For instance, it’s easier to make repairs to roof-integrated panels from the inside rather than having to traipse over tiles to reach a roof-mounted system.

Decisions like this at the planning stage can make life a lot easier further down the line.

If installation businesses take these considerations into account when planning future projects, it will be possible to enjoy greater success and increased client satisfaction.

For more info, please visit: http://www.romag.co.uk/