Installing Solar Panels
Solar panels, also know as photovoltaic (PV) systems, convert sunshine directly into electricity. The following guidance is intended to help property owners and those involved in managing, maintaining, or making changes to historic buildings understand the issues to be considered when designing and installing solar power systems.
Before installing a PV system, it is important to understand the electrical energy needs of the building users. Our Energy Efficiency pages provide guidance on how to improve energy efficiency. Reducing your overall energy demand will maximise the proportion that can be provided by the PV system, saving money and carbon dioxide emissions.
Contents
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What is a PV System?
Learn about the main components of a PV system and their energy yield.
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Considerations When Planning an Installation
Impact on heritage significance, building fabric and the ecological environment are some of the considerations when planning a PV installation.
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Consents and Permissions
Find out about the consents and permissions required for installing any type of PV installation on a listed building or scheduled monument.
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Designers and Installers
How to find PV designers and installers, and a helpful checklist of questions to ask them.
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Fire Risk Assessment and Emergency Planning
Although fires in PV systems are rare, they can pose fire risks, so assessment, mitigation measures and emergency planning must be carried out.
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Installing PV Arrays on Buildings
This page gives an overview of PV array installation options for pitched and flat roofs.
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Ground-mounted PV Arrays
Guidance on installation, cabling and frame design considerations for ground-mounted PV arrays.
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Electricity Distribution and Storage
Learn about the two key types of electrical supply in PV systems: grid connected and off grid.
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Maintenance, Inspection and Testing
We have compiled a maintenance checklist to help you keep your PV system operating efficiently.
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End of Life and Recycling
These PV system recycling and disposal considerations will help to mitigate environmental impacts at the end of their life.
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