If you roof is in good condition, and gets a lot of sun, it is probably a good candidate for solar. Genesis does not recommend installing solar on old roofs. The panels are expected to last for over 25 years so it is not recommended to install them on a roof that may need replacing during the life of the system.

Genesis are currently pay at 8c/kWh for electricity exported to the grid.

Whilst there are costs to you in purchasing and owning the solar system, solar power can help you to reduce your monthly electricity spend by offsetting the energy usage in your house. How much your monthly electricity bill will reduce by will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the system that you install, how much electricity your system generates, and how much electricity you use during the day.

What will be affected on my roof?

Most 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. 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.

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.