Your Guide To Installing Exeter Solar Panels

Are you considering switching to solar panels for your home or business energy? As the majority of the country knows, the UK and most of Europe are currently facing an energy crisis, where the cost of electricity, gas and heating are increasing rapidly. 

Installing solar panels for your businesses or home can help keep your energy costs down. Read on to find out what solar energy is and how the team at Datel Electrical can help you switch to a cheaper and more sustainable energy source. 

How Can Datel Electrical Help With Installing Exeter Solar Panels?

Datel Electrical are now offering a solar panel installation service across Exeter and Devon. Having completed a solar panel installation course, Datel Electrical are pleased to announce that they can now provide homes around Devon and Exeter with a sustainable and cost-effective energy source. 

Unlike other solar panel installers, Datel Electrical is an excellently rated, friendly, local electrician, who uses in-depth electrical knowledge to help you save money on your energy bills with solar energy. 

Not only will the Newton Abbot-based electrical team be able to install solar panels to best optimise the sunbeams on your home, but they will also be able to provide and install a battery storage system. The battery systems will be connected to your solar panels so you can continue to use the energy generated from your solar panels during the evenings and on overcast days. 

For more information, or to book your free site visit, contact the team today. 

What Is Solar Energy? 

Harnessing the sun’s power and converting it into energy isn’t new, since the 7th Century BC, humans have used solar energy. However, we have moved forward a lot since then. Originally the sun’s heat was harnessed using glass and mirrors to light fires. Now, we harness its light and warmth to generate electricity. 

Solar panels absorb the light with the photovoltaic cells, which your Exeter solar panels are made up of, this generates a direct current of energy and is then converted into usable alternative current energy. It’s this alternative energy current that is then directed to your home for you to use as electricity or heating. 

What Are The Benefits Of Installing Solar Panels in Exeter?

Now, more than ever, home and business owners are looking to switch to alternative energy sources to help keep heating and electricity bills down. If you choose to install solar panels with Datel Electrical, you will be able to enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

• Reduced electricity bill – your solar panels will generate all or a portion of your electricity, so your monthly electricity bill will naturally reduce. 
• Won’t be affected by rising energy costs – as you will be using less energy from an external provider, you will be less affected by the rise in energy cost, compared to if you were solely dependent on an energy supplier.
• Can make money – If your solar panels generate more electricity than you use and you don’t need to store it in your battery/energy bank, you can sell your solar-powered energy to the national grid.  
• Environmentally friendly – the sun is available all over the world and does not have to be harvested or shipped over for use. Solar energy will never run out and will be available for a long-time to come. 
• Low maintenance costs – our qualified team at Datel Electrical can help maintain your solar panels or assist you in case of an emergency with our emergency call-out service. 
• Reduced wait time – Reduced installation wait time compared to larger solar panel installers. Datel Electrical can quote, install and maintain your solar panels quickly and efficiently. 

Do Exeter Solar Panels Need Planning Permission?

In most cases, the installation of solar panels does not require planning permission, they are listed as a permitted development in most areas across Exeter and Devon. Depending on your property type, there may be a few restrictions, depending if you are a domestic or commercial installation or if you would like to mount your solar panels on the ground. 

Domestic installations: 

• Panels should not be installed above the ridgeline of your roof 
• Should not project more than 200mm from the surface installed on, either wall or roof
• If you’re installing on a listed building 
• If you want to install your solar panels on the wall in a conservation area, world heritage site or a place of outstanding natural beauty (Dartmoor and the South Hams could fall into this category)

Ground mounted:

• Panels should not be higher than 4 metres or the ground 
• Solar panels should have at least 5 metres of clearance from the boundaries 
• Not allowed within the grounds of a listed building

Commercial installations:

• Solar panels should not project out more than 200mm from the roof or wall 
• Panels have at least 1m from the edges of the roof on a pitched or flat roof
• For flat roof installations, solar panels should not protrude more than 1m from the surface of the room and cannot be the highest point on the roof. 

However, as we are qualified electricians, not property surveyors or planning permission consultants if you’re concerned check with your local authority. 

What Should I Consider Before Getting Solar Panels in Exeter?

If you’re thinking about getting solar panels on your property, there are a few factors you should consider before embarking on your solar panel installation and usage journey, including:

• Location – is your building in a suitable location for solar panels? What part of your property receives the most sunlight for the majority of the day? Ideally, your solar panels should be installed south facing where they are exposed to sunlight at the right times.
• Your energy usage – how much energy do you use on an average day? The number of rooms and the number of people within the building can affect your average energy usage. Knowing how many kWh(s)(kilowatt hours) your home uses can help you figure out how many solar panels you may need and the savings they could give you. 
• Your roof’s condition – can your roof handle the additional weight of your new solar panels? If your roof is subjected to rot, woodworm or damage, you may need to get your roof repaired before our team will be able to fit your new solar panels. 

Book Your Site Visit Today!

To find out more about our new solar panel installation service, to sign up for our favourable rates and to book your free solar panel site visit, contact our team today at 01803 874074 or email us at info@datelelectrical.co.uk.