How much roof space will I need?
When considering solar panels for your home, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: "How much roof space will I need?" Understanding this helps determine the potential size of your solar system and how effective it might be at reducing your energy bills. Here’s what you should know:
Typical solar panel dimensions
Most residential solar panels measure around 1757 mm x 1134 mm (approximately 1.76 metres by 1.13 metres). When calculating available roof space, you should also factor in an additional 18 mm gap between each panel to accommodate the mounting brackets.
As a quick guideline, a single standard solar panel, including mounting gaps, typically occupies around 2 square metres of roof space.
How many solar panels do you need?
A solar array usually consists of at least 6–7 panels. This is the minimum number recommended to generate enough electricity to significantly impact your energy bills. For example, my own home has 7 panels installed, and I’ve personally seen my electricity bills reduce by over 70%.
If you're aiming for higher energy independence, have larger electric bills, or want to further reduce costs, you’ll typically want to install between 10–14 panels. We can tailor the design around your needs/budget/goals.
Roof shape and orientation
Your roof’s shape significantly affects how many solar panels can be installed:
Standard pitched roofs: These are ideal for solar installations because rectangular panels fit neatly in rows. Panels can be arranged easily to maximise roof space.
Hipped roofs: These roofs slope in on all sides, forming trapezoidal or triangular shapes. Because solar panels are rectangular, filling every inch of a hipped roof can be challenging. While it’s still entirely possible to install panels on hipped roofs, the layout might require more careful planning to maximise efficiency.
Roof obstructions
It's also important to consider potential roof obstructions, which can reduce the available space for solar panels:
Dormer windows: Dormers are common features on UK homes. While they add character and natural light, dormers can complicate solar installations. Panels must be carefully placed around dormers to avoid shading, reducing potential usable roof space.
Chimneys and vents: Chimneys also take up valuable roof space and create shading issues. Working around chimneys is usually straightforward but inevitably reduces the total space available.
Shading concerns
Any shading significantly affects the efficiency of your solar PV system. Obstructions such as dormer windows, chimneys, neighbouring buildings, or trees may limit your system’s effectiveness. However, Creative Low Carbon carry out detailed surveys before installation to identify shading risks and plan accordingly.
What if my roof is small or complicated?
If your roof is smaller or has multiple obstructions, don’t fret, solar is often still a viable solution. While you might not achieve full energy independence, even smaller solar PV installations provide significant cost savings and environmental benefits. Experienced installers know how to maximise available roof space, carefully positioning each panel to ensure optimal energy production.
At Creative Low Carbon, we specialise in finding smart solutions for every type of roof. Our experienced team can survey your property, accurately assess your available roof space, and design a system that works best for your home and energy goals.
If you’d like to discuss your roof's suitability or need help calculating the ideal solar panel layout for your home, our friendly experts at Creative Low Carbon are always ready to help.
