What will be affected on my roof?
All the Solar PV panels are designed to be mounted on top of an existing or new roof and are not normally heavy enough to cause structural problems. However, bolts are used to secure the system to your roof and if the panels are removed, these bolts will remain.
What size are the solar panels?
The size of the system is often determined by the available roof space of the property and size of the system you require. As a guide, most panels are 992mm wide by 1640mm high in size. Approximately 8 m2 of roof space is required per 1 kW of solar panels.
Do I need planning permission or other consents?
Solar PV systems do not need generally require planning permission unless the property is a listed historic building or in a conservation area. Genesis Energy does not install on heritage listed buildings. You will be responsible for obtaining any consents required for the installation of the System. If your home is on a cross-leased property, you may need consents from other property owners on the cross-lease and we recommend you discuss this with your cross-lease neighbours.
Will I need a Building Consent?
Most Councils take the view that installing a solar PV system is energy work (like installing a heatpump) which means it is exempt from requiring a building consent. However, some Councils don’t. For example, we know Hamilton City Council requires a building consent, whereas Auckland Council, Tauranga City Council, Manawatu District Council, Wellington City Council, Nelson City Council, Christchurch City Council, and Dunedin City Council all allow the installation of solar PV systems without a consent. It is worth checking with your council. Heritage listed buildings or homes in heritage areas will most likely require a building consent.
What happens if I have a fault with my solar system?
Once your system is installed you will be provided details on your systems warranty and who to contact should there be any faults.
How much maintenance do solar energy panels require?
Solar photovoltaic panels require little maintenance. Your panels can build up dust and other material over time. Solar panel cleaning is not that different from cleaning your windshield. This can be done with soapy water and a soft brush.
Will the solar panels still operate if I have no electricity?
No, the solar panels require you to be connected to the local grid for them to operate. If power is cut to your home, the solar panels will not operate. This is a safety mechanism to protect appliances at your property and for the safety of network maintenance personnel.
Which direction should my panels face?
Solar panels that face north get the maximum amount of sunlight during daylight hours to generate electricity. Placing panels on an east or west-facing roof will still produce a substantial amount of power. It is not recommended that you install panels with a southerly aspect.
What if my property is 3-Phase?
Three phase properties may require a 3-phase solar system. With a three phase solar system there may be instances when you will import energy on one phase while exporting energy on another phase. This is because all three phases operate independently of one another, you can think of them like three separate energy systems. You may want to ask your installer to check the load on each phase before installing the system.