How Many Solar Panels Can I Fit On My Roof?

On average, you can usually fit around 10 to 20 solar panels on a standard household roof. While this a just a rough estimate, a few basic calculations can help you determine how many solar panels can fit on your specific roof.

No matter your roof size, there should be a solution that meets your sustainable energy needs. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to determine how many solar panels your roof can safely accommodate.

How To Calculate The Number of Solar Panels That Can Fit On Your Roof Space

Most residential solar panels are roughly 100 cm by 189 cm, which results in a size of approximately 1.89 sq m.

To work out how many solar panels can fit on your roof:

1. Work out the square meterage of your roof (by multiplying the length and width).
2. Divide this number by 1.89

Just keep in mind that this number is a rough estimation and several factors can impact the final number.

Take obstructions into consideration

Things like chimneys and air vents may impact the amount of usable roof space you have for your solar system. If parts of your roof are covered by shading throughout the day, this may also affect how much space you actually have available.

Check local building regulations

In most cases, you don’t need planning permission to install solar panels. However, if your solar system is larger than a certain number of panels, you may need to get official permission from your local building authority.

Get advice from a professional solar panel installer

If you’re still not sure how many solar panels can fit on your roof, speak to a professional local installer. They will be able to offer professional advice and determine how much solar power you need as well as how many panels can fit on your roof.

How To Determine The Number Of Solar Panels You Need

While you want to maximise the space available to you, you don’t necessarily need to install as many solar panels as possible. Just because you can fit 20 solar panels on your roof, doesn’t mean you need to.

Here are a few of the factors you should take into consideration when determining how many solar panels you actually need:

Your energy needs

The first thing you should consider is your monthly energy consumption. There’s no use in having solar panels installed that exceed your energy needs as you’ll be spending money unnecessarily. On the other hand, just one or two panels are not likely to make a dent in reducing your electricity bills.

Maintenance costs

While solar panels require fairly little maintenance, they do need to be cleaned from time to time to work efficiently. The more solar panels you have, the more maintenance and servicing you will require. So, keep this in mind when deciding how many solar panels to go for.

Plans to expand your home

If you are thinking about expanding your home in the future, you may want to include a few extra solar panels so that your increased energy needs will be met when the time comes. If this is not currently in your budget, don’t worry! The great thing about solar arrays is that they are modular and you can easily add more panels to your system, provided you have sufficient roof space.

Efficiency of your solar panels

Your solar panel efficiency will depend on the typical weather conditions of your region, as well as the type of solar panels you invest in. The efficiency of your panels will determine how much energy the system will produce. When you invest in highly efficient panels, you won’t need as many as you would if you were buying less efficient panels.

What If There Isn’t Enough Roof Space For A Solar Panel System?

Some roofs are simply not compatible with solar panels. It may be a space issue or a problem with the integrity, shape, and/or orientation of your roof. If it isn’t viable to install your solar system on your roof, you have a few other options available to you.

1. You could opt for ground-mounted solar panels. This is a good choice if you have a lot of open space on your property.
2. You could choose post-mounted solar panels, which are commonly used for smaller systems.

Need a Solar Panel Installation Quote?

Not sure how many solar panels to install on your roof? Speak to our solar experts at Eco Happy today! We provide solar panel installation services throughout the UK as well as servicing and maintenance. Contact us today to discuss your options for installing solar panels or fill in the simple form on our website to receive a free quote.

FAQs

Can I fit solar panels on my roof myself?

While it is legal to install your own solar panels in the UK, it is not a good idea. Solar panel installation is a lot more complicated than you may think, and you run the risk of damaging your panels and injuring yourself. Additionally, you’ll only be eligible for grants and tax incentives if your solar array is fitted by a certified installer.

Are solar panels worth it?

Yes, in the long run, solar panels are worth it. While the upfront cost can be significant, you will eventually break even thanks to greatly reduced energy bills. You can also sell back any excess energy to the national grid through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme.

How many solar panels does the average household use?

A typical household in the UK has a solar array of between 10 and 13 panels, which can cost anywhere between £8,000 and £12,000. This size system can usually handle the power generation and energy usage needs of your average three-bedroom house.

Final Thoughts

Each roof is different and a variety of factors need to be taken into consideration when determining how many solar panels should be installed. Tailormade solutions are required for optimal efficiency.

While you can calculate a rough estimation of your roof’s usable space, it is always a good idea to seek professional advice. Experienced solar installers, like Eco Happy, will consider all the factors and provide you realistic number of solar panels to have installed.